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E^rruAf \4 O' C.^Ua.%nat\j 

w 

XII. 


PAPERS 


RELATING PRINCIPALLY TO THE 


CONVERSION AND CIVILIZATION 


s 

OF THE 

SIX NATIONS OF INDIANS, 


INTERSPERSED WITH 


> * 

, !> 9 

i 


WL t $$ t VB 




ON OTHER SUBJECTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST. 


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1642—177G. 




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19 


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I 





0 










































. 

































CONTENTS 


PAGT.. 


r. JOURNAL OF NEW NETHERLAND, 1641—1646,. 1 

II. DESCRIPTION OF NEW NETHERLAND; By Rev. Isaac Jogues, S. J./ 

1644,. 19 

III. INFORMATION FOR TAKING UP LAND IN NEW NETHERLAND; By 

Secretary Van Tieukoven, 1650,. 25 


Mode of clearing and cultivating the wild land, 30; of the building of 
houses at first, 31; of the necessary cattle and their prices, 32; neces¬ 
sary supplies for the farmer, 33; conditions on which land was at 
first granted, 35, 

IV. JOURNAL OF THE SECOND ESOPUS WAR; By Capt. Kregier, 1663,... 37 


V. BREEDEN RAEDT; Extracts from the, 1649,. 99 

VI. DESCRIPTION OF NEW NETHERLAND; From Montanus, 1671,. 113 


Discovery of New Netherland, 115; Rivers, ib.; Trees and Vines, 116; 
Fruits and Mines, 117; Animals, 118; Bii'ds, 122; Fishes, 123; 
Rattlesnakes, ib.; Native tribes, 124; Their clothing and houses, 
125; their manners and customs, 126; their language, money and 
nature, 128; Weapons, laws, councils, 129; Religion and belief, 130; 


Colonization of the country, 131. 

First Emigrants to New Netherland from Baudartius,. 132 

VII. TRIAL FOR WITCHCRAFT, In New-York, 1665,. 133 

VIII. ASSESSMENT ROLLS OF THE FIVE DUTCH TOWNS ON L. I., 1675, 139 
Of Bushwick, 141; of Breukelen, 144; of Flatbush, 150; of Flatlands, 

155; of N. Utrecht, 158. 

IX. STATE OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW-YQRK, IN 1738,. 163 


Queries relating to His Majesty’s ProV. of N. Y., 165; Cadwallader 
Colden's Observations on the Soil, Climate, Water Communications, 

Ac., of New-York, 169; Lt. Gov. Clark’s answer to the queries of 
the Board of Trade, 180; Return showing the commerce of the Port 
of New-York in 1738, 1S2; Population returns of each county in the 
Province, 184; Names of the heads of families in Flatbush, 188; in 
Flatlands, 191; in Brooklyn, 195; in Busfywyck, 198; in Suffolk 
county, 200; Names of the officers and privates in the several com¬ 
panies of Militia in the Province, 203; Indians of New-York and 
Canada, 240. 

X. REASONS IN SUPPORT OF TRIENNIAL ELECTIONS IN THE PROV¬ 
INCE OF NEW-YORK, /. 243 












iv 


CONTENTS. 


PAGB 

XI. JOURNAL OF SIR WM. JOHNSON’S SCOUTS, 1755, 1756,. 257 

XII. PAPERS RELATING TO THE SIX NATIONS,.. 28S 

A list of early Missionaries among the Iroquois,. 292 

1756. Jan. 18. Rev. J. C Hartwick to Sir Wm. Johnson; with a project for 

better peopling and governing America,. 294 

15. Address of Rev. J. C. Hartwick to the Mohawks,. 296 

Proposed Address of the Seven Nations to the king in favor of 

Rev. J. C. Hartwick,. 298 

May 14. Rev. Mr. Ogilvie of Albany, to Sir Wm. Johnson; necessity 
of forts among the Indians; Washington surrounded; Pa- 
troon’s mills burnt,. 301 

1761. March 1. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Jean B. Robault, enclosing him ten 

pounds and requesting him to use his influence with the 

Abenakes of his flock,. * 303 

27. Rev. Mr. Brown to Sir Wm. Johnson, apologizing for not 

being able to go to Fort Hunter,. 304 

Nov. 17. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Dr. Wheelock; Kirtland leamiug 

the Indian language; Joseph Brant’s education commenced, 305 

1762. Feb. 8. Rev. Mr. Oel to Sir Wm. Johnson, cannot consent to the Bos- 

toniers introducing their Presbyterian church among the 

Indians,. 307 

March 7. Gen. Amherst to Col. Bradstreet; first Presbyterian church in 

Albany,. 309 

13. SirWm. Johnson to Rev. Mr. Barclay; respecting Mr. Bennet, ib. 
April 5. Rev. David Zeisberger to Mr. Peters relative to his journey to 

Wyoming,. 310 

10. Edw. Johnson, teacher at Tuscarora, to Sir Wm. Johnson, 

with a report of his progress among the Indians,. ib- 

Isaac, a Tuscarora Indian, and his wife, to Sir Wm. Johnson, 312 

\ 

Aug. 20. Rev. Dr. Wheelock to Sir Wm. Johnson relative to moving his 

Indian school from Lebanon,. 313 

Sept. 8. The same to the same; obtains a portion of Sir Peter Warren's * 
legacy; the Boston Society desires to set up English schools 
among the Indians; Dr. W. wishes to remove to the Mo¬ 
hawk country,. * . 314 

Rev. Dr. Pomroy to Sir Wm. Johnson in favor of Dr. Whee¬ 
lock’s school, (enclosing),. 316 

July 10. Letter from the clergy of divers churches in New England, 
recommending Dr. Wheelock’s school to the patronage of 

the public,. 317 

Oct. 16. SirWm. Johnson to Dr. Pomroy, in favor of Dr. Wheelock’s 

qualifications, . 320 

The same to Dr. AVheelock; is opposed to local schools among 

the Indians,. ib. 

The same to Rev. Dr. Barclay, respecting a new Indian 
prayer-book,. 321 

1763. Jan. 20. Dr. AVheelock to Sir AA r m. Johnson; some account of Mr. 

C. Jeffery Smith, and the Lebanon school; Brant, (with,) 322 

18. C. Jeffery Smith to Sir AV. Johnson; proposes visiting the 

Mohawk country as a missionary; much attached to Brant, 325 























CONTENTS. 


V 


PAGE. 

763. April 2. Mr. Weyman, printer, to Dr. Barclay, concerning the Indian 

prayer-book,... 3 

2. Dr. Wheelock to Gen'l Amherst; asks for four townships on 

the west side of the Susquehannah for his school,. 328 

29. Sir Wm. Johnson to Dr. Barclay about the Indian prayer-book, 336 
May 16. Dr. Wheelock to Sir Wm. Johnson about Mr. Smith and Brant, ib. 
23. Gen'l Amherst to Dr. Wheelock, advises him to apply to the 

king, . 332 

Aug. 8. Dr. Barclay to Rev. S. Johnson; the Boston commissioners, 
offer; Mr. Bennet catechist to the Mohawks; Palmer; 

Punderson, . . ib. 

Oct. 20. Mr. Weyman to Dr. Barclay about the Indian prayer-book,.. 334 

Dec. 29. Rev. Mr. Lappius to Sir Wm. Johnson; requiring aid,. 335 

[No date.] Rev. Mr. Robaud to the same; hopes the Rnglish will retain 

Canada, Ac.,. 336 

1764. Mar. 22. The schoolmaster at Canajohary to Sir Wm. Johnson; the 

Indians will not allow the children to be chastised,. 339 

Sept. 17. Mr. Weyman toSirWm. Johnson; Indian prayer-book; death 

of Dr. Barclay,. 340 

Oct. 24. Dr. Wheelock to the same; Kirtland; Woolley,. 341 

Nov. 27. Mr. Weyman to the same; the Indian prayer-book,. 343 

Dec. 10. Circular of the N. Y. Soc. for promotion of the arts,. 344 

1765. Jan. 4. Sir Wm. Johnson's answer to the fofegoing circular,. 346 

[No date.] Rev. Mr. Brown to Sir Wm. Johnson; proposes visiting the 

Mohawk castle,. 347 

Feb. 27. Sir Wm. Johnson to the Society for promoting the arts; sub¬ 
scribes and gives an account of the state of Agriculture in the 

Mohawk country,. 348 

Mar. 23. Dr. Wheelock to Sir Wm. Johnson thanking him for his favor 

to Kirtland; reports the progress of his school,. 350 

April 29. Dr. Wheelock’s address to the sachems of the Six Nations,... 352 

The same to Sir Wm. Johnson, giving an account of proposed 

new Missions among the Indians,. 356 

June 17. Rev. S. Kirtland to Sir Wm. Johnson; giving his experience 

at Canadcsage,. 358 

Oct. 21. Dr. Wheelock to the same; with the thanks of the Connecti¬ 
cut Board of Missions,... «... 360 

Nov. 7. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Thos. Barton; consents to become a 

member of the Society for Prop, the Gospel,. ( . ib. 

Dec. 20. Churchwardens of Schenectady to Sir Wm. Johnson inviting 

him to be a trustee,. 362 

1766. Feb. 18. Rev. S. Kirtland to the same; with an account of affairs at 

Canadesage,... ib. 

Mar. 25. Mr. Weyman to the same; Rev. Mr. Ogilvie will superintend 

the Indian prayer-book,. 364 

May. V. Dow, Mayor of Albany, to Dr. Wheelock in favor of his 

efforts for christianizing the Indians,. ib. 

July 4. Dr. Wheelock to Sir Wm. Johnson introducing other Mis¬ 
sionaries, Ac., . 366 

Sept. 13. Rev. Mr. Brown to the same; proposes a visit to the Indians, 368 


























CONTENTS. 


PAG* 

1766. Oct. 10. Rev. Mr. Chamberlain to Rev. Mr. Brown, complaining of 

his re-baptizing children already baptized by the Presby¬ 
terians, . 368 

Dec. 4. Churchwardens of Schenectady to Sir Wm. Johnson,. 371 

29. Rev. Mr. Chamberlain to Sir Wm. Johnson explanatory of 

his motives for complaining of Mr. Brown's proceeding,.... ib. 

1767. Jan. 30. Rev. Mr. Brown to the same; church at Great Barrington,.. 373 
May 29. Rev. Mr. Hanna to the same; is about to practice law at 

Schenectady,. ib 

1768. Jan. 6. Mr. Arbo, secretary to the Moravians, to the same, praying his 

protection,. 374 

Feb. 1. Rev. Dr. Burton, Sec. of Society for Propagating the Gospel, 
to the same; enquiring what would be the proper allowance 

for a missionary among the Indians,. 376 

Mar. 21. Corporation of Albany to Dr. Wheelock, encouraging him to 

remove his school to the vicinity of their city,. 377 

April 8. Dr. Wheelock to the corporation of Albany; is invited to 

establish his school elsewhere,. 379 

May. Rev. Mr. Barton to Sir Wm. Johnson; state of affairs on the 

Pennsylvania frontier,... . 381 

Aug. 5. Mr. J. W. Brown to the same; inviting Rev. Mr. Murray to 
the church at Schenectady; Presbyterians anxious for Mr. 

Bay,.... 383 

26. Hugh Gaine to the same; giving an account of the state of the 

Indian prayer-book,. 384 

Sept. 8. Sir Wm. Johnson to Hugh Gaine; on the same subject,. 386 

17. Hugh Gaine to Sir Wm. Johnson; same subject continued,.... ib. 
Oct. 19. Mr. J. W. Brown to the same about the Schenectady church, 387 

16. Memorial of Dr. Wheelock to the commissioners at the treaty 

of Fort Stanwix,. 388 

17. Caveat of two New England Missionaries against the treaty at 

Fort Stanwix,. 390 

.Parson Johnson to Sir Wm. Johnson; is a friend to the Indians, 391 
22. The same to the commissioners defining his allegiance,. 392 

30. The same to the same; hopes a door will be kept open for the 

propagation of the gospel among the Indians,. 394 

31. Speech intended to be delivered by Parson Johnson to the 

Indians at Fort Stanwix,. 395 

Nov. 19. Hugh Gaine to Sir Wm. Johnson; the Indian prayer-book,.. 396 

24. Sir Wm. Johnson to Gen’l Gage; intrigues of the New Eng¬ 
land Missionaries at the treaty of Fort Stanwix,. 397 

28. Dr. Shuckburgh to Sir Wm. Johnson; Indian prayer-book,.. 398 

Dec. 6. Mr. J. W. Brow r n to the same; progress of the Church at 

Schenectady,. 399 

1769. Jan. 3. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Dr. Smith; thanks him for the care 

of his son, and for his election as member of the Philosophi¬ 
cal Society,. 401 

24. Joseph Chew Esq., to Sir Wm. Johnson; Connecticut Assem¬ 
bly applied to for a deed of the Susquehanna lands; dissent¬ 
ing missionaries excluded from the Indian country,. 402 






















CONTENTS. yii 

PAGK. 

1769. Jan. 25. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Dr. Auchmuty; the election; foot¬ 
ing of the Church of England in the Province,.403 

Feb. 2. Hugh Gaine to Sir W. Johnson; Indian prayer-book completed^ 4*05 
25. Churchwardens of Schenectady to the same; (enclosing,) .... 405 

Jan. 31. Letter from Rev. Mr. Murray, declining the Church at 

Schenectady, ... 406 

Mar. 17. Pass to Messrs. Danforth and Willard to observe transit of 

Venus,. 407 

April 3. John Rand to Rev. Dr. Auchmuty, is willing to accept the 

school at Johnstown,. 408 

12. Rev. Harry Munro to Sir Wm. Johnson; proposes to visit the 

Indians,. 409 

22. Hugh Gaine to the same; Indian prayer-book,. 411 

30. James Adair to the same; origin of the N. A. Indians,. 412 

[No date.] Same to the same; his work patronized in New-York,. 413 

May 10. Sir Wm. Johnson to Mr. Adair, forwarding subscriptions to 

his work on the Indians,. 415 

List of scholars at the Free school at Johnstown,. 416 

Aug. 28. List of scholars at the Mohawk school, Fort Hunter,. 417 

31. Hugh Gaine to Sir Wm. Johnson; Indian prayer-book,. ib. 

Nov. 9. James Adair to the same; regarding his progress in obtaining 

subscriptions to his work on the Indians,.. 418 

16. Geo. Croghan to the same; introducing Rev. Mr. Andrews,.. 419 

18. Secretary Banyar to the same; on the same subject,. 421 

Dec. 10. Mr. Andrews to the same; proposing that Episcopal clergy be 

introduced from Ireland into New York,. ib. 

1770. Jan. 28. Same to the same; returns to Ireland,.j 423 

May 11. Rev. Dr. Auchmuty to the same; introducing Rev Mr. Forbes, ib. 

20. Same to the same; on the principles of a true churchman; 

American Episcopate; Convention of the clergy,. 424 

27. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Dr. Auchmuty; in answer,. 426 

Nov. Same to Rev. Mr. Inglis; numbers of the Six Nations of 

Indians; Dr. Wheelock’s success; Rev. Mr. Stuart; Mr. Hall, ib. 

1771. Feb. 28. Same to Dr. Arthur Lee; customs, manners and languages of 

the Indians,. 436 

Same to Rev. Mr. Barton; state of religion,. 438 

Mar. 1. Same to Rev. Messrs. Cooper and Inglis; Rev. Mr. Griffith 

invited to Schenectady,. 440 

27. Same to Rev. Charles Inglis; the dissenters not to be diso¬ 
bliged ; religious wants of the Indians; Lutheran minister at 

Stonearabia desirous to conform,. 441 

April 4. Same to Rev. Dr. Auchmuty; Mr. Stuart; Mr. Andrews; the 

Lutheran minister at Stonearabia,. 444 

May 4. Same to the same concerning Rev. Mr. Hanna, (enclosing,) .. 44(5 

Rev. Mr. Hanna's testimonials,.-. 447 

June 11. Rev. Dr. Auchmuty to Sir Wra. Johnson; the Lutheran.min- 

ister; Mr. Hanna; American Bishop,. 449 

25. Rev. Harry Munro to the same; B.xant; state of the Ch. at Alb., 452 
July 4. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Mr. Inglis on his memorial for 

christianizing the Indians,. 453 




























viii 


CONTENTS. 


TkGVt 

1771. July 4. Same to Rev. Dr. Auchmuty; on the state of religion; the 

Lutheran minister, &c., . 455 

. Aug. 19. Rev. Mr. Inglis to Sir Wm. Johnson; on the memorial Ac.,.. 467 
Vote of thanks from the Commissioners for Propagating the 
Gospel in New England to Sir Wm. Johnson,. 460 

22. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Mr. Kirtland, requiring of him the 

subject of his letter to the Boston commissioners,.. ib. 

Sept. 10. Same to Rev. Mr. Inglis on the memorial,. 461 

21. Rev. Chas. Inglis to Sir Wm. Johnson ; on the same 

subject,. 462 

28. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Mr. Inglis; on the same subject,.. 466 
Rev. Mr. Andrews to Sir Wm. Johnson; grammar school in 

Schenectady,. 466 

Oct. 23. Rev. Mr. Inglis to th? same; on the memorial,. 467 

Nov. 5. Rev. Mr. Andrews to the same; opens an academy,. 470 

18. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Mr. Andrews; in answer,. 471 

1772. Jan. 27. Same to Rev. Chas. Inglis; on the fund for support of ladies 

whose husbands or relatives have served the state,. 472 

May 18. John Cottgrave to Sir Wm. Johnson; with suggestions for the 

improvement of the church and school,. 473 

June 25. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Mr. Andrews; expects a missionary 

for the church at Johnstown,. 475 

July 20. Rev. Mr. Hanna to Sir Wm. Johnson; receives orders in the 

Church of England,. 476 

23. Rev. Mr. Andrews to the same; offering to officiate occasion¬ 

ally at Johnstown,. 480 

Oct. 2. Sir Wm. Johnson to the Rev. Dr. Burton; about Rev. Mr. 

Moseley,. 481 

15. Letters of ordination of Rev. David Jones,. 482 

Ncfv. 12. Rev. Harry Munro to Sir Wm. Johnson; state of the church 

in Albany,. 484 

1773. Mar. 12. Rev. Matthew Graves to the same; Mr. Moseley; Narra- 

gansett church,. 486 

Aug. 11. Col. Henry Babcock to Rev. Dr. Cooper; on establishing an 

academy in the Indian country,. 487 

16. Rev. Mr. Andrews to Sir Wm. Johnson; resigns the Schen¬ 

ectady church to Mr. Doty,. 493 

Sept. 17. Same to the same; reception in Virginia; wishes to be ap¬ 
pointed to Johnstown,. 495 

Nov. 19. Sir Wm. Johnson to Col. Babcock, with his opinion on the 

proposed Indian academy,. 497 

Dec. 28. Col. Babcock to Sir Wm. Johnson ; on the Indian 

seminary,. 498 

1774. March 8. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Dr. Ilind; state of the church on 

the Mohawk,. 500 

21. Churchwardens of Schenectady to Sir Wm. Johnson,.. 502 

April 1. Sir Wm. Johnson to the churchwardens of Schenectady,. 503 

11. Rev. Mr. Moseley to Sir Wm. Johnson, thanking him for his 

past kindness,... 504 

Memoir of the Rev. Dr. Stuart, missionary at Fort Hunter, 606 






























EARLY MISSIONARIES AMONG THE IROQUOIS 

IN THE PROVINCE OF NEW YORK. 

Jesuits. 

Paul Ragueneau. Arrived in Canada 28 June 1636; Superior 
from 1650 to 1653; sent to Onondaga 26 July 1657; left 20 
March 1658; died at Paris 3 Sept. 1680. 

Isaac Jogues born in France, 1607; arrived in Canada 2 d July 
1636; prisoner among the Mohawks from Aug. 1642 to Aug. ^ 
1643; sent a missionary to the same tribe in 1646 and killed, 

(at Caughnawaga as is .supposed), 18 Oct. of the same 
year. 

Frs. Jos: Lemercier. Arrived in Canada 20 July 1635; Superior 

from 1653 to 1656; sent to Onondaga May 17 of the latter ^ 
year; remained there until 20 March 1658; died in the West 
Indies. 

Frs. Duperron. Arrived in Canada between 1636 and 1638; 
returned to France Aug. 23 1650; came out a second time, 
was missionary at Onondaga from 1657 to 1658, and again ^ 
returned to France 6 Sept. 165S; arrived for the third time 
in Canada June 30 1665, and died at Fort S l Louis, Chambly 
the 10 Nov. following. 

Simon le Moyne. Arrived in Canada about 1638, when he was 
sent to the Hurons; sent to Onondaga 2 July 1654; arrived 
at the Mohawks 16 Sept 1655; remained there until 9 Nov. 
of same year; sent thither again in 1656; returned 5 Nov. v - 
same year; went to the Mohawks a third time 26 Aug. 1657, 
and returned to Quebec May 21 1658; sent to Onondaga 2 
July 1661, returned to Quebec Sept 15, 1662; sent on 30 
July 1663 to the Senecas, but remained at Montreal. Died 
at Cape de la Magdeleine in Canada 24 Nov. 1665. 


292 PAPERS RELATING TO 

Francois Joseph Bressani. A native of Home; arrived in Cana¬ 
da in 1642 [1638?]; prisoner among the Mohawks from 
Ap’l 30, to 19 Aug. 1644; left for Europe Nov 2,1650; died 
at Florence 9 Sept. 1672. 

Pierre Joseph Mary Chaumonot. Born near Chatillon sur Seine ; 
entered at Home in 1632; arrived in Canada 1 Aug 1639. 
Sent to Onondaga Sept 19, 1655, abandoned it March 20, 
1658. Founded Lorette, and died at Quebec 21 February 
1693. 

Joseph Anthony Poncet. Arrived in Canada 1 Aug 1639; pri¬ 
soner among the Iroquois from Aug 20 to Oct 3, 1652; 
started for Onondaga 28 Aug 1657, but recalled at Montreal; 
left Canada 18^ Sept 1657; died at Martinique 18 June- 
1675. 

Rene Menard. Arrived in Canada July 8,1640; was a mission¬ 
ary with Lemercier at Onondaga from 1656 to 1658, and 
afterwards among the Cayugas. Is said to have died in the 
woods near Lake Superior in Aug. 1661. 

Julien Garnier. Was born in 1643; arrived in Canada 27 Oct 
1662; was ordained Ap’l 1666; sent to the Mohawks May 
17, 1668; passed to Onondaga, thence to Seneca; on the 
mission until 1683. He appears to have been one of the 
Missionaries sent to the Cantons in 1702. a In silvis apud 
Iroquois.” Catol. 1703. 

Claude Dablon. Arrived in Canada 1655 when he proceeded 
to Onondaga, and continued there a few years. He labored 
afterwards among the tribes of tire Upper lakes, and was 
Superior from 1670 to 1693. The date of his decease is 
not known; he was still alive in 1694. 

Jacques Fremin. Was missionary at Onondaga from 1656 to 
1658; sent to the Mohawks in July, 1667; left there 10 
Oct., 1668 for Seneca, where he remained a few years. He 
died at Quebec 20 July, 1691. 

Pierre Rafeix. Arrived in Canada 22 Sept 1663; chaplain in 
in Courcelles’ expedition in 1665; sent to Cayuga in 1671; 
thence, on Carheils’ return, to Seneca where lie was in 1679. 
He was in Quebec in 1702-3 though in an infirm state of 
health. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


293 


Jaques Bruyas. Arrived Aug. 3, 1066. Sent to the Mohawks, 
July 1667, & to the Oneidas in Sept, where he spent 4 
years; thence lie returned to the Mohawks in 1672, and 
was at Onondaga in 1679, in 1700 and 1701. He was still 
alive in 1703, at Fort St Louis. 

Etienne de Cariieil. Arrived in Canada 6 Aug. 1666; sent to 
Cayuga 1668—absent in 1671, 2; returned and remained 
until 1684. Died at Quebec July 1726. He is said to have 
spoken the Iroquois better than his ov 7 n language. 

Pierre Milet. Was sent with de Carheil to Cayuga; left 
in 1684; was at Niagara in 1688; taken prisoner at Catara- 
couy in 16S9 and remained in captivity until October 1694. 
He w r as alive in 1701 and Charlevoix, who came in 1705, 
says that he lived several years with him. 

Jean Pierron. Arrived in Canada 27 June 1667; sent to the 
Mohawks the following month; returned to Quebec and 
arrived again among the Mohawks 7 Oct. 1668; left in 
1670 and was sent to the Senecas after 1672,3 where he 
still was in 1679. 

Jean deLamberville. Arrived probably in 1668. At Onondaga 
in 1671,2; left it and v r as sent to Niagara in 16S7; at La- 
prairie in 1690 and in France in 1699. 

Francois Boniface. Sent to the Mohawks in 1668, 9; laboring 
there after 1673; died at Quebec 17 Dec. 1674. 

Frs. Vaillant de Gueslis; arrived prior to 1674. Succeeded 
Father Boniface among the Mohawks about 1674; accom¬ 
panied the expedition against the Senecas in 1687; on the 
31 Dec. of that year was sent to New' York and to the 
Senecas in 1703,4. 

Jacques de Lamberville. Among the Mohawks in 1675-8; 
subsequently at Onondaga which place he left in 1686. At 
Montreal in 1700, again among the Iroquois in 1703, and at 
Onondaga in Sept 1708. He w r as at Cayuga in 1709, whence 
he fled on the breaking out of the war. 

Pierre de Mareuil. At Onondaga in June 1709, when he sur¬ 
rendered himself to the English in consequence of war 
breaking out between the latter and the French, and 


294 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


came to Albany where the government caused every 
attention to be paid to him, as appears by Journ. Ass.i., 255. 

Jacques D’Heu was a Missionary among the Onondagas in 1708; 
and in 1709 among the Senecas; is said to have been 
djrowned in 1728. 

Anthony Gordon, founded St Regis in 1769, with a Colony from 
Sault St. Loui 


Sulpilians. 

Francis Picquet. Came to America in 1733; founded Oswe 
gatchie in 1748; abandoned that place in 1760, and died in 
France 15 July 1781. 

Pierre Paul Frs. de la Garde. Succeeded Abbe Picquet at 
Oswegatchie; died at Montreal April 4 1784. 

•** We are Indebted to the politeness of Mr. John M. Shea S. J. for the 
preceding list. Ed. 


REV D M R HARTWICK TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Honourable Sir, 

May it please Your Honour. 

Here i make bold to communicate to Your Honour a 
Project for the better peopling governing and defending of the 
Limits of North America, w r ich i leave to Your Hon rs Wisdom 
and Discretion, if you could aprove of it Sir, or devise any 
better, i conceive it would be more taken Notice of, if proposed 
to his Majesty, by Way of an Advice of the Indians. I have 
thought Sir, that it would be more for the good of the Planta 
tions in the present Circumstances, if the Cost, wich must be 
spent to the Carrying on of a War, were imployed for transport¬ 
ing settlers, and providing for them for one year at least, besides 
parchasing of Implements and Cattle and that a Circling Line 
might be improved and at convenient Places and Distances Forts 
and Towns erected and a Borroagh Grave or Guard a limit settled 
at Camp Johnson, at Oswego, at Lake Erie and at Ohio, wich 
Borroagh Graves should be immediates that is independents of 
the Respective Goverments but only depending on his Majesty’s 
Orders, and only accountable to him. To whom a District suffi- 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


295 


cient for its own Defence should be granted and assigned, with 
Power sufficient for the Defence thereof, wich at set Times 
should be subject to a Visitation of a Commission of his Majesty, 
whose Power must be more extensive in the Beginning in order 
to make Tryal and subject to Limitations from his Majesty as 
occasion should offer. This i conceive is the Method, by wich 
the German Emperors have preserved their Extensive Territo¬ 
ries against the Incursions of the Barbarians, in former Times 
You know Sir, it doth not signify, to claim and even conquer 
large Territories, if you can not keep them, and you cannot 
keep them except you can settle them, and that it will cost less 
to settle and improve them then in process of time it will cost 
the king and Country to erect Forts keep them in Repair and 
maintain Garrisons at so great a Distance from the Settlements 
It will indeed cost more in the Beginning and at once, but these 
Costs will lessen and determine and instead thereof the Income 
of the Country will increase and the Costs and Troubles of Ware 
will be spared. But then i would also advise That such Bor- 
rough Graves or Guard a limits must settle first in the Fixt 
Line one towards the other, and that in defensible Towns, so 
that the settling must begin at their respective Residences and 
so round about and extending first and principally as much as 
possible from the Residence of one Borrough Grave to the other 
and to secure the Communication of the Burggraves with one 
another Forts must be erected at convenient Places and proper 
Distances between them, and a Correspondence by Post and 
express kept. If the Crown would resolve upon this Method it 
would be adviseable to listen at present to the Proposals of the 
French Carl for an accommodation, on Condition that the Forts 
errected on the kings Territories be immediately demolished. 
And if then this Method was immediately put in Execution, we 
would gain upon Canada insensibly so that they would be 
obliged to be in fear of us in place that we must now be in fear 
of them. If Your Honour approves of my scheme and promoteth 
a Subscription of the Indians to the Inclosed Petition i shall, God 
willing undertake a Voyage to England and promote the scheme, 
with all my might. I wish that i might be so happy to speak 
with your Honour about it, or to obtain an Answer in Writing 


296 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


.But Circumstances bid me conclude Recommending Sir, Your 
Honourable Person, House, Office and circumstances to the 
Divine Favour and Protection, and my self to the Continuation 
of yours i remain with all possible Respect. 

Honourable Sir 
Your Honour 

most obedient Servant 

J. C. Hartwick. 

Staatsborough y e 18 th Janu r y 1756. 

P. S. Since according to his Majestys Instructions a Fund for 
an Indefinite Salary for the Governor must be provided Quarit 
wether not this scheme might be improved so as to be some • 
thing subservient to it, in such Case it would be advizable that 
such Burggraviates must be subject to the Governors and a 
Deputy Governor resident in the Chief Burgtown. And i have 
forgotten in the Letter to observe that the Inhabitants, who 
must be obligd, by Turns to guard the Forts and defend the 
Frontiers must be exempt from taxes and from bearing a share 
in the Expenses belonging to the Government of the Provinces 
to wich they are the Barrier. I hope Sir you will improve these 
Raw Hints, wich to Day expecting your arrival are come in my 
mind and that you will pardon my Freedom and immature 
Patriotism I wish you, Honourable Sir, an happy New Year and 
if possible Peace, if not, Victory and Success. 


REV. MR HARTWICK TO THE MOHAWKS OF CANAJOHARE. 

Beloved Brethren ! 

Grace be unto you, and Peace from God our Father 
and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

For as much as i have been hindred for a considerable Time, 
both by Reason of Sickness and your absence to see your Face 
or to write to you, and as i apprehend, you might be concerned or 
troubled in your mind about it as i am: i could not forbear 
imbracing an opportunity of Speaking to you in Letters, wich i 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


297 


expected the Honourable General Johnson, would give me if i 
ora Letter could hit him at his Return from New York. Dear 
Brethren, i at the same Time will condole'and congratulate you. 
that on the victory obtained by you ; this because of the spilling 
of so much noble and brave Blood, in particular that of our 
Brother Henry. But i forbear, saying more about it, least i 
should perhaps make the Wound, wich beginns to heal soar and 
bleed again. Let it be to your Comfort: That he died in a 
good Cause as a faithfull allie and a brave Captain, and sleepeth 
on the Bed of Honour, where his Name will be a good Savour, 
as long as a Free Englishman and faithful Mohawk remains over 
And as he hath been your Brother your Father and your Cap- 
\ tain, it is your Duty to be a Guard to the Bed whereon he 
sleepeth. That no perfidious Frenchmen may disturbe the Rest 
of his Bones, and ashes : And if the French and their Slaves 
will not rest satisfied with the litle Revenge you have taken from 
them, and desist from their Incroachments and cruel Ravages, 
and restore what they have unjustly taken : then stand up for 
your and your Bretherns Right and revenge the dear Blood so 
unjustly spilt ! I would also beseech you, Brethern that you 
would not suffer, that some, who are unworthy to be lookd upon 
by you as Brethren or even Men, because they are more cruel 
than Savage Beasts, might spoil the Good name and Fame you 
have of late purchased with your blood. That your Heart 
might not be as a stone but be moved with Compassion and on 
hearing of the more then barbarous Treatment your Brethren 
the English in Pensylvania & parts adjacent have met with. 

And as to the Cognawaghes who are of your Blood, let them 
know that it would have been 100 Times better for them, to 
have accepted your Generous offer of Peace and Friendship then 
to Reject it on so frivolous Excuses; as ; their having been 
washd with the same Water as the French Since there is but one 
Baptism, and you are washd with the same Water as they. 
Since even the Papists do not even repaptize those of the pro- 
tistants that imbrace their superstitious Way of Worship. 

I let you know also beloved, that if you are good spiritual 
Warriors who manfully fight under the Banner of your Chief 
Captain Jesus, against your Spiritual Enemies, vidz‘ wicked 


298 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Spirits & men as also your own bad Inclinations and Habits : 
That then the Great God, who is calld Immanuel, that is to say : 
God with us will be with you & fight your Battles. 

Lastly my Brethren, Let my tears be wipd of, for the Death of 
my Brother Henry, by a letter to Great King George, wich i be¬ 
seech you to subscribe in my Behalf, lest i might loose the Fruit 
of so many years’ toil, trouble and charges. And i assure you, 
as soon as the Lord shall enable me, you shall not find me un- 
gratefull. And as I have not been unmindfull hitherto, but 
remembered you at the Throne of Grace, so i shall in Times to 
come. 

The Lord be with you and your Love with me, who am 
Beloved Brethren 

your Loving Brother 

Servant and Intercessor by God 
John Christopher Hart wick. 

Staatsborough 
y e 15 ,h of January 1756. 

(Addressed) To 

Abraham Petersen, Paulus Petersen, 

Niclas and the Rest of the Brethren of 
the Mohawks of the Castle at 

Canadshohare 


PROPOSED ADDRESS TO THE KING IN FAVOR OF THE 
REV D M R II ART WICK. 

To the Great Sachem of the Brittish Nation George the Second 
of Great Brittain, France and Ireland King, Defender of 
the pure Christian Faith Nursing Father of the seven Indian 
Nations of America 

The humble Address of the Chiefs and others of the Mohawk 
Indians of Canad Schohary 
May it please Your Majesty ! 

Whereas We from a long Experience, are convinced, not only 
of Your Majestys Power and Inclination, to defend your subjects 




THE SIX NATIONS. 


299 


from the Insults and Attacks of their Ennemies, but also of your 
Majesty’s Faithfullness in Performing your Covenants with your 
Majesty’s alliance and Protection before that of the French King 
against all attemts of the latter to intice and move us to the 
Contrary and therefore both formerly and now in particular 
lately, being moved thereunto, by our Brother General Johnsen 
have renewed the Covenant Chain subsisting between Your 
Majesty and the Six Nations, and increased it, with lincking 
another Nation to it, by wich means Your Majestys Interest is 
become ours, wich now, after the famous and glorious Battel 
and Victory fought and obtained against and over the French 
Army at Lake George, under the Wise Conduct of our brave 
Brother General Johnsen, since it costs us a good proportion of 
our best and noblest Blood, our Captain Henry besides 
more being killd in it, to wich Victory on this occasion we take 
the opportunity humbly and heartily to congratulate Your 
Majesty, is become still more so. Hence, and from many consi¬ 
derations more it is morally impossible for us, That we should 
undertake, do or advize any thing, to the Hurt of Your Majesty’s 
or our Brethren’s Your Faithful Subjects Interest. 

And whereas We, who live between Your Majesty’s and the 
French Kings Territories naturally must know better, what is 
conducive to the Defension of the Fronteer of Your Majestys 
Dominions in America, than those living remoter can know. 

Therefore do we hope, that Your Majesty will graciously in¬ 
dulge us humbly to advize something concerning the Savety of 
the extreme Parts of Your Majesty’s Dominions. 

By long Experience we know, that the Guarding the Provinces 
of Your Majesty against the Incroachments and Insults of a 
foreign Enemy, by Means depending on an Assembly the Mem¬ 
bers whereof, for the greatest Part live remote from them, is a 
very precarious and ineffectual Method, and therefore humbly 
take upon us, to propose another, vizt. 

That Your Majesty might be pleased, to grant, to such Persons, 
as were willing and able to settle and cultivate and to whom we 
should be inclined to sell, Tracts of Land sufficient to erect 
Towns and Forts thereon, under the Restrictions and Conditions, 
to settle thereon in Towns, and not in so scattered a Manner as 


300 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


is done in other Parts of the Country, to Fortify, Garrison nd 
defend such Towns, to settle and maintain Ministers of the Gos¬ 
pel and Schoolmasters, both for themselves and the Indians living 
about them: and to free such Towns and Precincts from all other 
public Taxes Expenses and troubles, wherein they should not 
particularly be concerned. 

And whereas we find John Christopher Hartwick minister of 
the Gospel inclined and conceive him able to promote both the 
kingdom of Christ and that of Your Majesty: 'therefore after he 
had obtained Your Majestys Lycence to purchase, we have sold 
to him in Your Majestys Name a Tract of Land the remotest, 
that hath been purchased yet. And whereas both by Reason of 
the great Distance from markett and because of the Nearness to 
the Enemies Country and the Adjoining Wilderness of the people 
that would undertake to settle it must labour under great Hard¬ 
ships and Difficulties, arising from the above mentioned Circum¬ 
stances easily to be conceived and too tedious to mention to 
Your Majesty and whereas the far greater part of the Tract of 
Land aforesaid is not improvable, and what is so is much inter¬ 
rupted by Hills, so that the good cannot be seperated from the 
bad, without putting the undertaker to insupportable Charges, 
the Land must either remain waste to the Detriment of Your 
Majesty’s Interest because it cannot make good the charges and 
Fees of Surveying and Patenting, wich are great, or bring up 
the Quitrent, wich is now higher than that wich is paid from 
good and conveniently and savely situated Land, or an Exemp¬ 
tion must be granted. 

For these Reasons and from such Considerations as these, as 
also from the Confidence we put in the Grace and Favour, wich 
Your Majesty hath allways been wont to bestow upon us We 
have taken upon us to intercede to Your Majesty in Behalf of 
the aforementioned John Christopher Hartwick humbly praying 
Your Majesty, to grant to the said John Christopher Hartwick 
the Tracts of Land sold to him by us; and more particularly 
described in the Deeds of Conveyance and Returns of the Sur¬ 
veyor, on such easy Terms as to Your Majesty in Your Grace 
and Wisdom shall seem most fit and expedient for the Intents 
and Purposes aforementioned, wich we forbear mentioning at 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


301 


Large being confident Your Majestys Wisdom will from this 
Hint easily infer them. 

If Your Majesty shall be pleased to grant these our Prayers 
we shall thanckfully acknowledge it, as a Token of Your Majes¬ 
tys especial Grace and Favour towards us, and use our best 
Endeavours by a Faithfull Attachment to Your Majestys Crown 
to deserve it all ways praying to the Heavenly Father to support 
Your Majesty in Your old age,with continual Supplies of Heavenly 
and Royal Gifts, Graces Power and Strength to the longest Period 
of Life, and to crown Your Endeavors for the Happiness of Your 
People and maintaining Peace among Christian Princes, with 
Success, and at last when Your Majesty shall be full of Days to 
leave Your Crown to a Prince of Your Royal Blood, who shall 
not be unworthy to be Son to such a Father and Successor to 
such a king, and to receive a Crown of Glory in the Heavenly 
kingdom that fadeth not. 

Finally, we pray, That Your Majesty would be pleased to 
continue that fatherly Care and Protection wich we have hitherto 
injoyed towards us and our Brethren the Six Nations and to 
receive into the same also the Nation of wich by the 

Care of our Brother Johnson hath been joined with us and linck 
to the Covenant Chain in particular we pray That Your Majesty 
would be pleased to provide for us, to the Glory of God and our 
Souls Wellfare a Church and a Minister residing among us; that 
we may more fully enjoy the Light of the Gospel, wich hath begun 
to dawn upon us; That we delivered from the Power of Dark¬ 
ness may walk in it—and Your Majestys Petitioners shall ever 
pray May it please Your Majesty 

Your Majesty’s 

most humble and obedient Servants 


REY MR. OGILVIE TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 

Albany May 14 th 1756 

Dear Sir—I hope before this you have received the Lines I 
sent to the care of M r Peterson of Schenectady I inclose a Letter 
I just now rec d and was in Hopes to have sent you the public 



302 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Papers but none come to Hand. This Morning arrived an Ex¬ 
press from Virginia, the contents have not yet transpired: I 
imagine the Indians and French have penetrated far into that 
Province by some hints I have heard. 

I plainly foresee, unless we act with more Vigour & uanimity, 
we shall become a Byword among the Heathen , and the Enemy will 
Laugh us to scorn. I heard Gen 1 Shirley say that he would order 
Montrosure to plan a Defensible Fort which he intended to send 
to you, as a Model for the Forts among the Indians, and that he 
would order them immediately to be built as he looked upon it 
the only Measure left to secure the Alliance of the five Nations : 
For my part I thought M r Shirley’s Zeal for the public would 
not have left this Measure to be executed at this Time, especially 
as we were told in the public Papers, that the six Nations were 
effectually secured by his Activity the last Summer : I am very 
apprehensive, from what I hear, that the Delawares will obstruct 
our building a Fort at Onogquaga, and I fear you’ll meet with 
Difficulty in procuring Workmen for that Service. I am quite 
of opinion, that those who undertake that affair should be w T ell 
guarded. Yesterday S r I....S 1 L[ege]r was in violent Wrath in con¬ 
sequence of a Letter from Broadstreet, what the Contents were 
I know not: I believe the Gen 1 is embarrassed between them 
both : One, I am convinced he must give up, and I am inclined 
to think he’ll in appearance drop Broadstreet, for Material 
Reasons. I am vastly diverted to see Alexander pursuing S r 
John where ever he goes. I am Sensible their Accounts puzzled 
them confoundedly. I am this minute inform’d That the 
French & Indians had. surrounded Winchester & that 
Washington was there only with fifty Men but that the Militia 
of Ten Counties were on their March for it’s Relief. Major 
Sparkes sends his Compliments, M rs Ogilvie joins in our best 
Wishes Pray make my Compliments to Cap 1 Wraxal 
I am D r Sir yours affectionately 

John Ogilvie. 

P. S. This Minute all the Barracks at the Patrons Mils were 
consumed by Fire by which Means a great Quantity of Wheat 
is lost. 






k g 3 A 






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THE SIX NATIONS. 


303 


SIR WM JOHNSON TO THE REV. JEAN B. ROUBAULT, 

JESUIT MISSIONARY AT ST FRANCIS. 

Fort Johnson, 1 st March 1761 
Sir 

It is but a few days since I had y e pleasure of receiving your 
most polite and friendly letter. I wish it had been in my power 
when in Canada, to have made you more sensible of my good 
inclination to serve you, or any gentleman in your then unhappy 
scituation, as nothing could ever afford me a more Sensible hap¬ 
piness than to be able to reward merit & relieve y e distressed. 
Your very Generous and gratefull Sentiments, expressed on y e 
occasion, far exceed any thing I could have done for so worthy a 
Person wherefor all I can say in return is, that I shall ever be 
desirous of & wish for a favorable oportunity to convince you of 
my esteem. 

I have on my arrival last Autum acquainted the Loups of 
Orange also the Six Nations with w l passed between me & the 
Abanakis your Flock, concerning that unlucky affair, and desired 
they would all remain quiet until the Spring of the year, when, 
I assured them proper satisfaction would be made for what had 
been done by the Abanakis, they all acquiesced, and now expect 
the arrival of said Indians soon when that happens I shall take 
care to have the affair properly made up, and a good understand¬ 
ing settled between both Parties, and in order to enable the 
Abanakis the better to come to Albany unmolested I have ordered 
Lient Claus now at Montreal my Deputy Agent, to give them a 
Flag w h they are to carry when coming this way, and at the same 
time, desired he would (on my acc 1 ) advance you for your own 
use Ten pounds, which I hope you will please to accept as a 
small Token of my regard for you. The good disposition of y e 
Indians y r way gives me great pleasure, and hope they will be 
sensible enough to continue it, as it will be for their own Interest. 
You may assure them Sir, from me, that as long as they behave 
well, they will have my good wishes, and interest with whatever 
generel may be here, and I flatter myself while they have you 


304 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


for tlieir guide, they will not do any thing to forfeit it. I wish 
you all the success imaginable and am with perfect esteem 

Sir 

Your Sincere friend 
& very Humble Servant 
W. J. 

%* Father Jean Basile Roubault, to whom this letter is addressed, is repre- 
sented as having arrived in Canada in 1742 and remained there until 1764. Ed. 


REV. MR. BROWN TO SIR W. JOHNSON. 

S' 

I proposed being at Fort-Hunter on Sunday Next but am 
unhappily disappointed by being so much out of Order that I 
am incapable of undertaking so long a Journey. Besides I have 
Duty to do at Albany to morrow, if I find myself capable. I hope 
you have not acquainted the Indians of my Design of coming, or 
if you have, shall esteem it as a Favour if you will let the Inter- 
pritor acquaint y m of my Reason for Not coming. Major Rogers 
who favour’s me with this, will acquaint you of all the New r s 
stiring, shall therefore to avoid giving you farther Trouble beg 
leave to subscribe myself 

Y r most obedient 
Hum: Servant 

Albany Friday March 27 th T: Brown. 

I received the enclos’d of M r Corry, & w r as in hopes of deli¬ 
vering it into y r own Hands. 

%* Rev. Thos. Brown, of whom there are some few particulars in Doc. His. 
iii, § xxi, was Deputy Chaplain to H. M. 60th Reg’t of Foot, or Royal Americans, 
according to his own petition, and not to the 27th regiment, as already erroneously 
stated. He supplied the Rev. Mr. Ogilvie’s place at Albany from 21 Dec. 1760 
to Nov. 1761, when he also was ordered on an expedition. At the desire of St. 
Peter’s Congregation he was, on his return, appointed Mr. Ogilvie’s successor, and 
continued to have charge of that church until 1767, when he was succeeded by 
Rev. Harry Munro. ( Abstract Soc. Prop. Gosp .) For his subsequent career, 
the reader is referred to the 3d vol. of this work. 





THE SIX NATIONS. 


305 


SIR W. JOHNSON TO THE REV. ELEAZER WHEELOCK. 

Fort Johnson, Nov r 17 th 1761 

Reverand Sir, 

Yours of the 2 d Ins 1 1 had a few days ago The pleasure of 
receiveing by y e hands of Kirtland, 1 I am pleased to find y e Lads 
I sent have meritted your good opinion of them. I expect they 
will return, and hope will make such progress in the English 
Language, k their Learning, as may prove to your Satisfaction, 
k the Benifit of the Indians, who are realy much to be Pittied— 
iqy absence these four month, has prevented my design of en- 
courageing some more Lads going to you, and since my return 
(which is but Lately) I have not had an opportunity of seeing 
either Old or Young, bing all on their Hunt, when they come 
back, I shall talk with, & advise their Parents to Embrace this 
favourable opertunity of bavin their Children instructed, and 
doubt not of their readiness to Lay hold of so kind k charitable 
an offer. 

Kirtlands intention of Learning y e Mohawk language I much 
approve of, as after acquireing it, he could (when qualified) be 
of vast service to them as a Clergy man which they much want, 
and are verry desireous of having. 

The present Laudable design of instructing A number of Indian 
Boys will I doubt not, when more known, lead Several Gentle¬ 
men to contribute towards it, k enable You thereby to increase 
the number of Scholars, w lh whom I shall not be backward to 
contribute my mite. 

I have given in charge to Joseph 2 to speak in my name to any 

1 Rev. Samuel Kirtland, afterwards so celebrated as a missionary among the 
Oneidas. His life, by his grandson, Rev. S. K. Lothrop, will be found in Spark’s 
Amer. Biography. 2 ser. XV. 

2 This was the celebrated Joseph Brant, Thay-en-de-nea-ga, since so well 

known through Col. Stone’s elaborate biography of him. We find the following 
account of his introduction to the Rev. Mr. Wheelock in the latter’s Narrative of 
the Indian School at Lebanon, 1763. 11 The Honourable Scotch Commissioners 

in and near Boston , understanding and approving of the Design of sending for 
Indian Children of remote Tribes, to be educated here, were the first Body, or 
Society, who have led the Way in making an Attempt for that purpose. Which 
because of the Newness and remarkable Success of it, and because it may encour- 

Vol. iv. 20 


306 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


good Boys lie may See, and incourage ’em to accept the Generous 
offer now made them, w ch he promised to do, & Return as Soon 
as possible & that without horses—in case there should not a 
Sufficient number go now, I will on return of y e Ind s from Hunt- 


age such a Design in time to come, I suppose it may not be disagreeable, if I am 
a little particular in my account of it: While I was in Boston they passed a Vote 
to this purpose, May 7, 1761, 1 That the Rev. Mr. Wheelock of Lebanon be de¬ 
sired, to fit out David Fowler, an Indian Youth, to accompany Mr. Sampson 
Occom, going on a Mission to the Oncidas, that said David be supported on said 
Mission for a Term not exceeding 4 Months; and that he endeavour on his Return 
to bring with him a Number of Indian Boys, not exceeding three, to be put under 
Mr. Whcelock's Care and Instruction, and that 201. be put into Mr. Wheelock? s 
Hands to carry this Design into Execution; and that when said Sum shall be ex¬ 
pended, he advise the Treasurer of it, and send his Accounts for Allowance.’ 

“ Pursuant to this Vote I cloathed and furnished said David with Horse and 
Money, for his long Tour into the Wilderness, which he set out on June 10th, in 
Company with Mr. Occom, by the Way of New-York; in which Journey he rode 
above a thousand Miles, and by the Advice, Direction and Assistance of Sir Wil¬ 
liam Johnson, obtained three Boys of the Mohawk Nation, who were willing to 
leave their Friends and Country and come among Strangers of another Language, 
and quite another Manner of Living, and where, perhaps, no one of their Nation 
then living had ever been; and among a People of whom their Nation have been 
of a long Time inclined to entertain Jealousies. Their Names were, Joseph, 
Negyes, and Center. They arrived here August 1st, 1761, but had so much 
Caution in the extraordinary Enterprize, that they brought each of them an Horse 
from their own Country. Two of them Avere but little better than naked, and 
could not speak a Word of English. The other being of a Family of Distinction 
among them, was considerably cloathed, /ncZian-fashion, and could speak a few 
words of English. They let me know, as soon as I could understand them, that 
Sir Wm. Johnson had told them they should return and visit their Friends in*the 
Fall of the Year. I took speedy Care to cleanse and cloath them. 

* * * * * * * 

“ Center's Countenance, as I thought when he came, discovered that he was 
not in Health. My Suspicions increased, and the Issue proved they were not 
groundless. He continued with me till the Fall, when the Physician I employed 
advised me, that his Disorders threatned his Life, and prevailed to such a Degree 
that he looked upon him to be incurable, and that he judged it best to send him 
back to his Friends, and that soon, or it would be too late to send him at all; and 
according to this Advice I sent him away with Negyes, having furnished them 
with Money for their Journey into the Mohawk Country, on the 23d Day of Octo- 
her. Joseph tarried longer to accompany young Kirtland, who was learning the 
Mohawk Language of him, and whom I sent into that Country to obtain six Boys 
of those Nations, to partake of the Benefit of Sir Peter Warren’s Legacy, ac¬ 
cording to the Instructions of the General Assembly of the Province of Massa¬ 
chusetts-Bay, before mentioned. 

“ Center reached home, but died soon after. Negyes, I hear, was captfrated 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


307 


ing, advise them To Send as many as is required also endeavour 
to Send one To the Rev d M r Graves, 1 whose offer (if they have 
any common Sence) they will look upon in the friendly & Gene¬ 
rous light it Deserves. 

As I am very much hurried at present, must beg leave to 
refer you to Kirtland for any perticulars you may choose to be 
informed of as I had a good deal of Conversation with him, 
regarding the Present State & Disposition of the Indians in seve- 
‘ rail. 

I wish you all Success in it undertaking 
And am w th truth & Sincerity 
Reverend Sir 
Your most obedient 

Humble Servant, 

The Reverend Eleazer Wheelock. Wm. Johnson 


REY. JACOB OEL TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

uijt mein hauss febr. de 8 te A° 1762. 

To the honorable 
Sir William 
Johnson. 

that ij reit these Letter en trouble You bij 
these ij be forced for it : the Reason is because ij heard yesterdaij 
in the Castle that the Bostoniers were designed to erect schools 

by a young Feipale and married. Mr. Kirtland and Joseph set out for the Mohawk 
Country November 4th, and returned November 27th, and brought two Mohawk 
Lads with them, viz. Moses and Johannes, by whom Sir Wm. Johnson informed 
me that he expected to be able to send the Rest when they came in from hunting. 
I informed the Hon. Commissioners of the State of the Case, and by a Letter 
from the Reverend Dr. Chacncy, Chairman of their Committee, in the Name of 
the rest, was desired to let them have in their Pay and under their Direction these 
two who came last with Joseph, which I consented to, provided they would remit 
the necessary Charges which I had been at in procuring and cloathing them, and 
give me as I afterwards charged them for their Support and Tuition, upon which 
Conditions they took them. I immediately sent to Sir Wm. Johnson for other 
six to partake of Sir Peter Warren’s Legacy. These three, viz. Joseph, Moses 
and Johannes, continued with me in the Pay of the Commissioners till May 27, 
1762.” 

1 Rev. Matthew Graves, Episcopal minister of New London, Conn. 



308 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


in everij Castle by choosing uijt two jung boijs for to be send 
in nieu engelland to be instructed there and them should instruct 
the others in proper learning, now learning is good en is most 
necessarij amongs the haddens that cannot be contradicted but 
ij want to know to what design as it is to introduce their own 
Presbijteren Church than can it not be allowed, en as it prejudice 
our Church en Church ceremonies, en is not a greable en conform 
to them than it must not be allowed en as so is it is against them * 
but as het design is with that pourpose than ij have nothing to 
saij en be content en must be content with it. now Sir ij let it to 
your Sirs weisse consideratie en he shall to best know de what is 
in these matters, en let my be ignorant in that matter. but ij 
think it shall not be taken in a rang sense that ij reit these 
things to your Honour then ij noem freely mine beste friend 
that ij have here en can trust ij want your presence en to tak 
freely to you but yesterday en now is not occasie for it, for to 
hear your meaning in that matter as it is for the prejudice en 
rung the Church ij cannot Consent to it. en ij must mantaine en 
will mantain the Church of our Church, so lang ij can en wath 
is in mine little pow T er ij shall doe,en will doe, allways ij remain 
in hast your 

friend en well wisher 
with all respect 

P. S. ij hope en think Sir Williams en en humble Servant 
Your Honour shall be for our churches John Jacob Oel. 

Seithe adjeu 

as ij can have an Answer thro of 
by few lines ij shall take it 
for a great Honour. 

(Addressed) These Letter is directed 
to the honorable 
Sir Baronet William 
Johnson overseer 
over the Indien 
affairs en present 
now att 

Cunad Schoharrij 

*** Mr. Oel was appointed assistant missionary to the Mohawk Indians in 
1750. He continued to act in that capacity down to the revolution.— Ed. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


309 


GEN L AMHERST TO COL. BRADSTREET. 


Sir 


FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION IN ALBANY. 

New York 7 March 1762. 

########## 


* # * # # * 

Nothing can be more agreeable to me than to Grant any 
Religious Community such priviledges as are in my power ; And, 
as the Forrage house near the Main Guard is not at present 
wanted, you will, agreable to the Request of the Presbyterian 
Congregation, Acquaint them, they have my Leave to make use 
of the said House for their place of worship. 

I am, Sir, 

your most Obedient Servant, 

Jeff : Amherst. 

Colonel Bradstreet, 

D. Q. M. G. Albany 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REY. MR. BARCLAY. 

Fort Johnson, March 13 th 1762. 
Sir 

Your favor of the 12 th ultimo. I have received, as I did 
sometime ago your answer concerning the land transmitted by 
the Lieut Governor, and cannot but consider your proposal as 
very reasonable. 

The experience which I have had of your good character 
would effectually discredit any aspertions which might be cast 
upon you. 

I shall at all times pay a due regard to merit, and your 
recommendation, and therefore cannot but approve of Mr. 
Bennet for his zeal to promote the interest of Religion, where 
it is so much wanted, but at the same time I must observe that 
it is not in my power to do more than countenance so pious an 




310 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


undertaking as there is no allowance for that service, except 
what is made to Mr. Ogilvie who In my opinion should, and I 
make no doubt will be readily induced to consider the Gentle¬ 
man’s services. I am, &c. 

The Rev d . M r . Barclay. 


BEY. DAVID ZISBEKGER TO MR. PETERS. 

Philadelphia 5 th april 1762. 

Mr. Peters 

I am to inform you that I was obliged to take an Indian 
Guide to shew me the way to Wyomink as the whole country 
was covered with snow and the weather the severest I ever 
knew I agreed to give him .three Pounds for himself and his 
horse and to find provisions for him, w ch with other Expences 
hath cost me five Pounds this Journey and I hope you will not 
think five pounds too much for my trouble considering how 
many days it hath taken up and what danger I have been in I am 
Sir 

Your most humble servant 

David Zisberger 

Rece’d ten pounds for my Journey with S r . W m . Johnsons 
Letter to Teedyuscung at Wyomink & and bringing his answer to 
Philadelphia 

April 5 th 1762. David Zisberger. 

%* See Loskiel’s Hist, of the Moravian Missions, part ii. 197, for some parti- 
culars of this visit. A sketch of Zeisberger’s life will be found in Allen’s Biog. 
Diet.— Ed. 


EDWARD JOHNSON, SCHOOL MASTER AT TUSCARORA, TO 
SIR W. JOHNSON. 

Tuscarora Castle April y e 10 th 1762 

Most Worth S r . 

Yours I received on the 12 of March Date Jan r y 30 th and 
Indeed S r I thank you very kindly for the many favours your 
honour has Been pleased to bestow on me But In Deed S r much 




THE SIX NATIONS. 


311 


more so for your last S r . It hapens so that I Cant at this time 
Come my Self and thefore must rely on your own Goodness : 
but I have sent by as trusty a hand I thinck as any I Could Geet 
for indeed he seems to be the truest to me of any of them 
and he is a Christian if there is one any where amongst them : 
S r . I owe to the value of three pounds which I have taken up 
since I begun to teach these people: and I have had no 
opertunity of Earning any thing for myself for these people 
will give nothing. S‘‘ I tell your honor of all that has hapened 
me. There is here two sorts people the one is for the religion 
and the other is not and that Party is allways striving to hurt 
me by words and some times allmost to the taking of my life but 
with the help of God I stand it though with Great Difficulty 
and Danger. S r I have been at onidia and had there 18 Scholars 
and I have teached so long that the are Come to 4 Shurly s r . 
you know as well as I that at this Time of the year the are 
scattered Every where, but I believe when the minister Comes 
there will be a Great many more that will Learn our tongue, but 
S r there lias been here at onidia som o the other sort of people 
which told them that the English wanted these to take up with 
our religion and then the land will be all theirs But I have told to 
the Contrary and tell them that it [is] for the Good of their Souls 
that the English wants to learn them and not for lands for they 
have land Enough I Beg S r your honour will Give no heed to fals 
storeys for the bearer of this will [convince] you to your own 
satisfaction. 

S r Pray pardon me for bein<* to tedious if your honour Pleaseth 
to send : if you Pleas to send it by the bearer Isaac or his 
father and one line to let me know what and How much S r 
Powder is very scears and Provision not very Pleanty if you 
Pleas to answer this S r I rest Myself your humble Servant 

Edward Johnson 

S 1 ' The Scliolers are Gone to hunting and I am Gowing to 
Isaac 3 *hous at Connosomothdian where I believe I shall stay till 
he Comes back a Gain. 


312 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


ISAAC THE INDIAN TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 

Tuscarora Castle April y e 10 th 1762. 

Worthy S r 

this Day Isaac spoake to me to write To your honour Concern 
ing the Christian religion As he himself told you : and as you 
told him : when He was last at your house Brother : Sais he : I 
am now in the very same mind that I was when you Saw me 
Last and I Do intend to keep this same rode as Long as God shall 
Give me life and breath that is with his assistance : Brother Just 
before the Minister Came here the last Sumer I was moued off 
from this town Something more than half way to Connoquaga to 
a Place Called Connosomothdian Where I have remaind till now. 
and some few Days a Gow the Came to me from Each Castle and 
Desired me that I should Either Come back or Els Gow fororards 
to Either of these two Castles on the Count of Settleing of 
affars. but knowing the Disposion of both In short I Dont like 
Either the told me by a belt of Wampom the town and people 
was mine To Do as I thought proper and I think It would be best 
for them both to Come to me as there is good land Every thing 
Pleanty there and nothing is Plenty where the now are but rum 
and the all know that I have Done with that with the help of 
God. Now Brother I want your advice in this and I shall here 
what you Say In this case, the say also it is very hard that I 
Dont mind them and their ways. 3 r I think If I may Speak one 
word that as there is a Division amongst themselves it would be 
proper for them that fellow the Christian religion to live by 
themselves. 

S 1 ' Concerning the Stories that your honour has hard of me if 
you pleas to ask this man and he can tell you Whetre it be true 
or not this from your Loving Brother. 

Isaac 

and from your humble Servant 

Edward Johnson. 

Sarah the wife of Isaac Gives her kind love to your honour 
And Desires the favour of a little Chocolate if you please. 

And She remains your most Loving Sister till Death 

Sarah Isaac 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


313 


REV. MR WHEELOCK TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Lebanon 20 th Aug 1 17C2. 

Hon d Sir. 

Yours by David, with three Boys, came Safe on Wednesday 
Evening after he left you. The two Smaller of the Ladds seem 
well contented, love their Book, and make good Proficiency ; the 
other seems not to have a Genius for Leirning, and is desirous to 
return. Joseph and J;he other two are also well, and behave 
very well 

David informs me that the Youth of whom I wrote you, and 
for whom I sent him, viz George Haxton was imployed at the 
Royal Block House at Onoyada Lake by one Reggens a 
Trader who lives at Fort Stanwick, and that M r Occom informed 
him, that the youth was inclined to Come but his obligations to 
Reggens, and Reggens’ violent opposition to it forbad him for the 
present, And that the Youth appears likely to answer our pur¬ 
pose, your Hon r is most likely to know, and best abel of any 
man to Judge in the affair, Will you please, sir, to make the 
Enquiry, and if you think favourably of my being at the Expence 
of fitting him for Interpreter or Missionary, be Instrumental to 
his coming hither for that Purpose. 

In a letter I wrote you last Fall I proposed that if way could 
be made for setting up of this School in some convenient Place, 
And the Settlement of three or four Towns round about it, I 
would remove with it, and bring Several Ministers with me of 
the best Character and take Care to people the Place with In¬ 
habitants of known Honesty, Integrity, and such as Love Indians, 
& will seek their Interest, but whether the Letter reached you 
or not I never heard, or whether you thought it any more than a 
sudden indigested thought I cant tell, however I should be very 
glad to hear if there be any Probability that such a Design may 
be Effected ; If your Hon r can find Leisure enough amidst your 
weighty affairs to gratify me in the things which I have assumed 
the Boldness to request of you, you will Greatly oblige me and 
I hope the Nature of the affair and the assurances your IIon r has 


314 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


given me of your Friendship towards it will be esteemed a suffi 
cient excuse for me and that your Hon r will believe that I am with 
the most sincere Respect 

your most Obed 1 and most IIum ble Serv* 

Eleazar Wheelock. 

Sir William Johnson Baronet. 


REV. MR. WHEELOCK TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Lebanon September 8 th 1762. 

Sir, : 

Your Honour has no doubt been informed of a Legacy 
of Sir Peter Warren of about Seven hundred and fifty Pounds 
Sterling left in the hands of the Province of the Massachusetts 
Bay, it being the Sum due to him from that Province, as his 
Commissions for their pay from the Crown for taking Cape 
Breton some Years ago, and which he gave to be by them 
improved at Six p r Cent for the Education of the youth of the 
Six Nations. It has lain unimproved until last Fall, when I was 
in Boston, I was informed of it, and preferred a Memorial to 
the General Assembly there, and prayed for the use of it in this 
School, in answer to which they Voted as you have seen, that I 
should be allowed for the support of Six Youth of the Six Nations, 
Twelve pounds lawful money for each, for one year, and 
accordingly I have now obtained the Boys, and they are under 
the best advantages if they have but the Wisdom to improve 
them. 

But there is since in and about Boston a Society incorporated 
for Indian Affairs, which includes all the Scotish Commissioners, 
many more to the Number of Eighty, and they have lately 
found out, as I understand by Doc 1 ' Chauncy, that the method 
I am taking is not the best way to promote Religion and Learning 
among the Six Nations , but a much likelier one is, by setting 
up English Schools among them, the Children to live with their 
Parents, and attend upon the School, their Parents to Support 
them &c, and that they design to apply for the use of said 




THE SIX NATIONS. 


315 


Legacy for that purpose, and let these Boys go where they will, 
but considering the insuccessfulness of schools set up thus 
among the little Tribes in these parts through their want of 
a due esteem of, and desire for Learning, their savage roving 
disposition, their want of Government amongst themselves, their 
Poverty, their proneness to imbibe prejudices against English 
masters, especially on acco 1 of a good and necessary Govern¬ 
ment &c by which means they dont get so much Learning in seven 
years as they do in this School in One, and that notwithstanding 
their Parents keep much at home, not having depCndance upon 
hunting for their support &c. Gentlemen here are generally, if not 
universally of Opinion that this method is by far preferable at 
least for the present till a Number of their own sons are fitted 
for School Masters, &c. 

Your Honour best of any man knows what methods have the 
greatest Probability of Success among the Six Nations, and if 
you think with me that it is best to continue these Boys as they 
are, and will please to write your Mind to Govern r Bernard with 
the Reasons of it, I doubt not but as it is generally understood 
that your Uncle designed a Testimony of his Respect to you in 
that Donation, so that Assembly will likely lay great Weight 
upon what you shall write, and if your Honour will please to 
inclose it to me I can send it direct by the Post. 

And if it were not too great boldness I would ask the favour 
to know the substance of what you write, it may be of some 
advantage to me. 1 

I want also to know whether your Honour thinks it likely 
that this School may after a while be set up in some convenient 
place near you accommodated with three or four Towns of 
well chosen Inhabitants. I understand that some of our People 
are about to settle our new Purchase on Susquahannah River, 
if it does not disoblige and prejudice the Indians I shall be glad, 
and it may be if that settlement should go on a Door may open 
for my Design on that Purchase, but your Honour has full 
understanding of the affair, and interested therein, and I can 
rely with greater Safety on your Judgment and Counsel than 
any other mans. 


316 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Joseph and the rest of the Boys are well, studious and diligent. 
I hope you have received a Line I sent you a few weeks ago, 
and that you will be able to send me the English Youth of 
whom I wrote if you esteem him likely and suitable for the 
Purpose. 

I pray your Honour to excuse the Trouble I so often give 
you, and believe that I am 


P. S. Being yet weak after a 
fit of sickness I am obliged 
to write you by the hand 
of my Pupil. 

Sir William Johnson Baronet 


With Sincere Respect 
Your Honours 

Most obedient and most 
humble servant 

Eleazer Wheelock 


REVD. DR. POMROY TO SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 


Hebron Septembr 8 th 1762. 

Sir 

The Fame of your Humanity, & Benevolence in general; 
and especially, what, I have more, lately heard by Mr. Wheelock, 
of your forwardness to encourage the Indian School, under his 
care emboldens me to trouble your Horn with a Line, or two, in 
Favor of that truly noble, & charitable Design—and as I am 
perswaded, you will rejoice at an opportunity to do good to your 
fellow-men, advance the Interest of Christs Kingdom among the 
Heathen Nations, and more firmly attach them to the Crown of 
great Brittain; and as I am somewhat concerned, in the 
Important affair of s d school, so I wo’d now earnestly bespeak 
your Patronage of it; not Dou’ting but that you will be able, 
in various ways to subserve the truely generous Design. 

M r Wheelock, having acted hitherto very much alone, in the 
Important Business, and his true character not very universally 
known ; It appears reasonable, those who encourage him in it, 
sho’d have some proper testimonials of his qualification for it, 
I therefore now take the freedom to transmit to you Inclosed in 
this; a Coppy of a Letter of Recommendation, sent to Mr. 



TIIE SIX NATIONS. 


317 


Debert, Merchant In London ; The perusal, whereof may possibly 
give you all the satisfaction, at present necessary, and excuse 
from troubling you any further, Him, who is, with the utmost 
Respect 

Your Honour’s most sincere, most obedient, and very Hum le ser nt 

Benjamin Pomroy. 

To Sir William Johnson Baronet. 

%* Rev. Dr. Pomroy, brother-in-law of the Rev.Eleazer W'heelock, graduated 
at Tale in 1733, and was ordained in 1735. He served as a Chaplain in the French 
and Revolutionary wars, and died at Hebron, Dec., 1784, aged 80 years. He is 
represented as one of the best preachers of his day.— Allen. 

[Enclosure In Dr Pomroy’s letter.] 

Chilsea in Norwich July 10 th 1762 
Sir, 

We Ministers of the Gospel, and Pastors of Churches, hereafter 
mentioned with our Names, having for a number of years past 
heard of, or seen with pleasure the Zeal, Courage, and firm 
Resolution of the Rev (1 Eleazar Wheelock of Lebanon to prose¬ 
cute to Effect, a Design of spreading the Gospel among the 
Natives in the Wilds of our America, and especially his Perse¬ 
verance in it amidst the many peculiar Discouragements he had 
to encounter during the late years of the War here, and upon a 
Plan which appears to us to have the greatest probability of 
Success Viz, by the Mission of their own Sons ; and as we are 
verily persuaded that the smiles of divine Providence upon his 
School, and the Success of his endeavours hitherto, justly may 
and ought to encourage him, and all, to believe it to be of God, 
and that which he will own and succeed for the glory of his own 
great Name in the Enlargement of the Kingdom of our divine 
Redeemer, as well as for the great Benefit of the Crown of Great 
Britain, and especially of his Majestys Dominions in America, 
so we apprehend the present openings in Providence ought to 
invite Christians of every Denomination to Unite their Endeavours 
and lend a helping hand in carrying on the charitable design, and 
we are heartily sorry if Party Spirit and Party differences shall 
at all obstruct the Progress of it, or the old Leaven in this Land 
ferment upon this Occasion, and give a watchful adversary Oppor- 


318 


PArERS RELATING TO 


tunity so to turn the course of Endeavours into another Channel 
as to defeat the design of spreading the Gospel among the 
Heathen, to prevent which, and encourage Unanimity, and Zeal 
in prosecuting the design, w r e look upon it our Duty as Christians, 
and especially as Ministers of the Gospel to give our Testimony, 
that as we verily believe, a disinterested Regard to the Advance¬ 
ment of the Redeemer’s Kingdom, and the Good of his Majesty’s 
Dominions in America were the governing Motives wdiich at first 
induced the Rev d M r Wheelock to enter upon the great affair, 
and to risk his own private Interest as he has done since in 
carrying it on, so we esteem his Plan to be good, his Measures 
prudently and w r ell concerted, his Endowments peculiar, his Zeal 
fervent, his Endeavours indefatigable for the accomplishing this 
design, and we know no Man likeminded who will naturally 
care for the State. May God prolong his Life, and make him 
extensively useful in the Kingdom of Christ. We have also 
some of us at his desire examined his Accompts, and find that 
beside giving in all his own Labour and trouble in the Affair, he 
has charged for the Support, Schooling &c a of the Youth at the 
lowest rate it coulcKbe done for, as the price of things have 
been, and still is amongst us, and we apprehend the generous 
Donations already made, have been, and we are confident will be 
laid out in the most prudent manner, and with the best advice 
for the furthering of the important Design, and we pray God 
abundantly to reward the liberality of any upon this occasion, 
and we hope the Generosity, especially of Persons of distinction 
and Note will be a happy lead and inducement to still greater 
liberalities, and in Consequence thereof, the wide extended Wil¬ 
derness of America will blossom as the Rose, habitations of 
Cruelty become dwelling places of Righteousness, and the bless¬ 
ings of Thousands ready to perish come upon all those, whose 
Love to Christ and Charity to them has been shown upon this 
Occasion which is the hearty Prayer of 
Sir 

Your most sincere Friends and 
humble Servants 

Ebenezer Rossiter, Pastor of the first Chh in Stonington 

Joseph Fish, Pastor of the Second Chh in Stonington 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


319 


Nathaniel 
Norwich 

Benjamin Pomroy, 
Elijah Lathrop, 
Nathaniel Eells, 
Mather Byles, 
Jonathan Barber, 
Matthew Graves, 


Whitaker, Pastor of the Church at Chilsea in 


Pastor of the first Church in Hebron 
Pastor of the Church at Gilead in Hebron 
Pastor of a Church in Stonington 
Pastor of the first Chh in New London 
Pastor of a Chh in Groton 
Missionary at New London 
Peter Powers, Pastor of the Church at Nevvent in Norwich 
Daniel Kirtland, former Pastor of the Chh at Newent in 
Norwich 

Asher Rossiter, Pastor of the first Church in Presson 
Jabez Wight, Pastor of the fourth Chh in Norwich 
David Jewett, Pastor of the second Chh in New London 
Benjamin Throop, Pastor of a Church in Norwich 


Samuel Mosely, 
Stephen White, 
Richard Salter, 
Timothy Allen, 
Ephraim Little, 
Hobart Eastabrook, 


Pastor of a Church in Windham 
Pastor of a Church in Windham 
Pastor of a Church in Mansfield 
Pastor of the Church at Ashford 
Pastor of the first Chh in Colchester 
Pastor of a Chh in East haddam 


Joseph Fowler, Pastor of a Chh in East haddam 
Benjamin Boardman, Pastor of the 4 th Chh of Christ in Mid¬ 
dletown 

John Norton, Pastor of the 6 th Chh of Christ in Middletown 
Benjamin Dunning, Pastor of a Chh of Christ in Marl¬ 
borough 

The above and foregoing is a True Copy*>f the Original 
examined by us. 

Samuel Gray 
Samuel Kirtland 


320 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO REV. HR. POMROY. 


Johnson Hall October 16 th 1762 
Sir 

The other day I was favoured with yours of the 8 th ult° toge¬ 
ther with a Letter of Recommendation sent to M r Hebert in 
London. 

I shall be always ready to do any thing in my power for the 
public good and the promoting knowledge and instruction amongst 
the Indians, and am very glad to find a Gentleman of your pious 
sentiments and abilities is in some measure concerned in the 
School with M r Wheelock concerning whom I have always enter¬ 
tained the most favourable Sentiments, and therefore have not 
the least doubt of his Qualifications for the discharge of that 
Trust. 

The testimonials in his behalf which } r ou transmitted, deserve 
all due regard, and shall be considered by me as proofs of the 
Esteem which is paid to his Character. 

I shall at all times be glad to promote so useful a design and 
heartily wish you success in your undertakings. 

I am Sir 

Your well wisher 
and Humble Servant 

' The Rev d M r Pomroy. Wm. Johnson. 


SIR W. JOHNSON TO REV. MR. WHEELOCK. 

Johnson Hall Oct* 16«» 1762 
Sir 

I have been favoured with yours of the 8 th ult°, and agree 
with you in opinion that the Indian Children will not improve in' 
their Studys near so much from the method proposed of Erecting 
Schools in their Nations, as they w'ould do according to your 
plan of Education, whereby they are kept out of the way of & 
uninfluenced by bad Example, but notwithstanding these my 
sentiments on that head I should not chuse to interfere therein. 



THE SIX INDIANS. 


321 


as those Gentlemen cannot but observe on due consideration the 
advantages which the one plan hath in preference to the other 

Whilst the Indians remain in their present Sentiments it will 
be highly improper to attempt any Settlement in their Country 
as they are greatly disgusted at the great Thirst which we all 
seem to shew for their Lands, and therefore I must give it as 
my opinion that any Settlement on the Susquehanna River may 
prove fatal to those who should attempt to Establish themselves 
thereon, as the Indians have all declared not only their great 
aversion thereto, but have also threatned to prevent any such 
Settlement, so that I hope the dangers to which they may be 
Exposed, together with your Governor’s proclamation against 
the same, will induce those concerned to drop their undertaking. 

When I can find out the English youth you mention, I shall 
endeavour to comply with your request if I find he will answ T er 
your purpose. I am glad to hear that the Boys prosecute their 
studies with diligence and hope you haveperfectly recovered of 
your late indisposition, as I am 

Sir 

Your well wisher and very humble 
Servant 

The Rev d M r Wheelock Wm. Johnson. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REV. DR. BARCLAY, 

RESPECTING A NEW EDITION OF THE INDIAN PRAYER BOOK. 

Johnson Hall Oct r 16 th 1762 

Dear Sir 

When I w T as last at New York I acquainted you with my design 
of having a new Edition of the Indian Prayer Book printed of 
which you were pleased to undertake the inspection. 

I now therefore herewith transmit you the old Edition, which 
as it wanted the Singing Psalms, I therefore send you such of 
them in Manuscript as I have been able to procure, together with 
the Communion Service, & Public Baptism of Infants &c. which 
they w r ould be desirous to have inserted, as also some Prayers of 

Vol. iv. 21 



322 


APERS RELATING TO 


the propriety of which you are the most proper Judge, you will 
therefore please to do therein as you shall Judge best. 

You will please to direct that there be printed 400 Setts on a 
better type, and paper than that of the Former and as the Square 
Figure of that Edition rendered it somewhat inconvenient the 
present may make a handsome small Octavo. 

In order to bestow on principal People, I would chuse to have 
2) Setts out of the beforementioned 400 printed on a fine Paper' 
& type and neatly bound, Lettered on the back and gilt, of two 
Setts of which I must beg your acceptance, & that you will make 
any alterations or additions which you may think necessary 
thro’out the work ordering the same to be bound in such manner 
as you shall judge most fitting. 

I am convinced you will have particular pleasure in taking 
under your inspection a performance calculated for the instruc¬ 
tion of the ignorant, & the promoting of Christianity which with 
my experience of your abilities are the principal inducem ts to 
offer you this trouble by recommending the whole to your care. 

I am, 

The Rev d D r Barclay with Sincerity, Dear Sir, &c. 


REVO m r WHEELOCK TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Lebanon 20 th Jan ry AD 1763. 

Sir . 

The inclosed from M r Charles Jeffery Smith 1 is not the Fruit 
of an Enthusiastic turn of Mind or any Freak of a heated Imagi- 

1 Rev. C. J. Smith was a descendant of Col. William Smith of St. George’s 
Manor, L. I. It is surmised that his father was Henry S., who died in 1747. 
He was ordained at Lebanon in June, 1763, and was ordered to proceed to Ono- 
hoghquage as a missionary, but he had not time to effect much good in that 
quarter, as his labors were interrupted by the Pontiac war. He returned in 
consequence, and went to Brookhaven where he resided in 1766. He afterwards 
itinerated in the south and was very successful as a preacher among the colored 
population of Virginia. He devoted much of his means to charitable purposes. 
Ed. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


323 


nation, but the Result of much Deliberation & good Advice j 
and your Hon r may depend upon it as such. 

He is a young Gentleman of about 22 years of age. He 
received the Honours of our College five years ago ; and has 
obtained a good and unblemished Character. He had the ofier 
of the Place and Office of a Tutor in our College last Fall but 
refused it for the sake of teaching this Indian School gratis. He 
is the only son of his Father, who lived at Brook Haven on 
Long Island, and there died about 15 years ago. And the estate 
left to this young Gentleman, he supposes to be sufficient to 
support himself and an Interpreter in the Business of a Mission¬ 
ary among the Indians, to which Purpose he seems inclined to 
devote it. I esteem him remarkably turn’d for that Business. 
And make no doubt your Hon 1 ’ will have much satisfaction in 
him when you shall have opportunity to know his worth by 
personal acquaintance with him ; for I think you will find the 
amiable Characters of a Gentleman, a Scholar, and a Christian 
very agreably meeting in him. 

And the poor Heathen will not have occasion to object against 
him as they have done against some u that he loves himself and 
his money more than the Indians” 

Joseph and the rest of the Boys from your Quarter are all 
well and make good Progress in Learning. I was much discour¬ 
aged with the bigest Abraham for some Time, but he does very 
well of late. 

Joseph is indeed an excellent youth, he has much indeared 
himself to me, as well as to his Master, and every body else, by 
his good Behaviour. When M r Smith first proposed to me his 
taking him for his Interpreter, I opposed it, fearing it would 
obstruct his Studies, and expose him to get into a roving unset¬ 
tled State ; but upon further Consideration I am of Opinion it 
will be best, as M r Smith is apt and able to teach, and proposes 
to bed and board with him. If it should prove otherwise and 
be a mean to prevent his pursuing his Studies afterwards I shall 
be very sorry 

I very Thankfully acknowledge the Receipt of yours by M r 
Kingsley, but your Letter to Joseph which you mention in that 
to me, never arrived, nor can I guess what was the Fate of it. 


324 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


My School now consists of 25, who depend wholly upon the 
Charities of Gods people for their support, and if the Hearts of 
Gentlemen shall continue open to contribute supplies for it, we 
must in a little Time determine where to fix it in order to build 
conveniently for it. 

Governour Wentworth has offered a Tract of Land in the 
western part of the Province of New Hampshire which he is 
now settling, for the use of it if we will fix it there. And there 
has been some Talk of fixing it in one of the New Townships 
in the Province of the Massachusetts which lie upon New 
York Line near Albany. But whether either of those Places, 
or here v r here it now is will be best for the Furtherance of the 
general Design, is not yet determined. I much want to consult 
your Honour in the Affair, but must v r ait upon providence, 
and remain with sincere esteem and respect. 

Your Honours 

Most obedient, and 

Most Humble Servant 

Eleazar Wheelock. 

Sir William Johnson Baronet 
April. 10.1763 

This Letter has lain by waiting for an opportunity till now, 
and what the fate of it will be I cant tell. Your Two to Joseph 
came as he informs you. had the former came seasonably he 
should likely have gone with Kirtland to N. Jersey College, but 
I apprehend it is, all things considered, better as it is, I purpose to 
take him with me to Portsmouth about 160 miles this Spring 
and would not have you expect him till June when M r . Smith 
Designs to take the journey w f ith him. 

• I am Yours ut ante 

E. Wheelock. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


325 


MR. SMITH TO SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 

Lebanon January 18 th A. D. 1763. 
Sir 

Though I have not the Honor of personal Acquaintance 
with you, yet the important and repeated services you have 
done Your Country, have long made me acquainted with Your 
Charecter, which shines with such distinguished Lustre in the 
Annals of Fame. 

Yet I should not presume to give you this Trouble, was I not 
moved and emboldened hereto, by an Affair of some Importance, 
the Execution of which depends much on Your Honours 
Approbation. 

This Necessity I hope your Candour will admit as a sufficient 
Excuse, for the Liberty a Stranger takes in writeing to you : and 
therefore without further Apology I beg Leave to lay the Affair 
before you. 

I propose next Summer to take an excursion into the Mohawk 
Country as a Missionary; and being a stranger to the Indian Dialect, 
I must of Consequence improve an Interpreter, having spent 
some Time here as a schoolmaster, (with that worthy Gentleman 
and eminent Friend of Indians The Rev d M r . Wheelock) I 
have contracted an intimate Acquaintance with Joseph who 
I understand is high in your affection and esteem, and has the 
Wisdom and Prudence to resign himself to your Direction and 
Conduct—as He is a promising Youth, of a sprightly Genius, 
singular Modesty, and a Serious Turn, I know of none so well 
calculated to answer my End as He is—in which Design He 
woud very Willingly and cheerfully engage shoud Your Honour 
consent to and approve of it. 

He has so much endeared Himself to me by his Amiable 
Deportment; his Laudable Thirst after and Progress in Learning: 
that did I not apprehend this woud be as beneficial to Him, as 
advantageous to me, I shoud neither desire his Assistance nor 
solicit Your Approbation. 

but I apprehend I can much sooner perfect Him in the English 
Language, and better instruct Him in whatever He shall have 


326 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


occasion to learn, when he is * constantly with me, and lean 
devote myself so much more to his Service, than when in the 
School where a large Number are to be taken care of in conjunc¬ 
tion with Him—and perhaps this woud be a Spur to Him, as 
well as an additional Motive with Me, to take particular Pains 
in accomplishing Him for such a Service, and so the general 
Design of His Education be rather forwarded than retarded. 

Shoud Your Honour acquiesce in, and approve of the Propo¬ 
sal, I shoud immediately take upon me the whole Expence of 
his Education ; and so long as he serves in the Character of an 
Interpreter, would allow him a genteel Reward. 

The present Excursion is designed only for a few months, 
after which He can return again to this School, so that I imagine 
if its of no Advantage, it can be but of little disadvantage to Him. 
• but if there shoud be farther occasion for Him and it shoud 
be agreable to You to have Him continued in such a Service, 
T trust that I shall do Honourably by Him. 

If Your Honour woud be pleased to acquaint me with Your 
Sentiments relative hereto, it woud be received as a Favour, And 
acknowledged with Gratitude by Him, who, relying on Your 
Candour to excuse the Prolixity, and pardon the Inaccuracies 
of this Letter, begs Leave in the most Respectful Manner to 
Subscribe Himself 

Your Honours most Obedient 
Humble Servant 

Charles Jeffry Smith. 

Sir William Johnson 


MR. WEYMAN, PRINTER, TO THE REY. DR. BARCLAY. 

CONCERNING THE INDIAN PRAYER BOOK. 

Rev d Sir 

I crave your Pardon for not answering you sooner relating 
to the Prayer Book:—The Government Work laid heavy on my 
Hands at the Time you sent it; but having now dispatch’d it, 



THE SIX NATIONS. 327 

can begin upon the Book as soon as Sir William thinks proper 
to engage at the Prices and form mentioned. 

I am, Sir, 

Your obliged, 

Humble Servant, 

N. York, April 2 d 1763. Wm. Weyman. 1 

To D r Barclay. 

1 William Weyman was son of the rector of the Episcopal church at Oxford, 
Philadelphia Co., Pa. He served his time to Wm. Bradford in Philadelphia, and 
in Jan. 1753 became a partner of John Parker of New York. Weyman managed 
the concerns of this firm which published a newspaper called the N. Y. Gazette 
or Weekly Post Boy, and several books. A piece entitled 11 Observations on the 
Circumstances and Conduct of the people in the counties of Ulster and Orange in 
the Prov’ce of New York,” from the pen of the Rev. Hezekiah Watkins of New¬ 
burgh, having appeared in the paper of the 15th March, 1765, the Assembly on 
whose conduct it reflected, took umbrage and summoned the printers to their 
bar. Weyman alone appeared at first, but Parker came into town immediately 
and surrendered himself to the Sergeant at Arms, but on petition they were 
shortly afterwards discharged. Watkins was Missionary of the Society for Pro¬ 
pagating the Gospel; on being arrested by order of the House in the course of 
the following year, he acknowledged himself the author of the piece, was repri- 
nianded and discharged. In Jan. 1759, Weyman’s partnership with Parker was 
dissolved, and on 16th Feb. he commenced the publication of the N. Y. Gazette, 
which w r as printed on a crown sheet every Monday. In Nov. 1760, he became 
public printer, and was appointed to print Smith & Livingston’s edition of the 
Laws. In Nov. 1766 he printed in his paper the address of the Assembly to Gov. 
Moore, in which the House said, among other things, “ Your Excellency has 
done us no more than justice in supposing that we will cheerfully co-operate with 
you.” Weyman by some blunder omitted the little word tc no,” and for this was 
arraigned a^ain before the representatives of the people. He threw the blame on 
one of his journeymen, but was unable to prove the allegation. He was dismissed 
on asking pardon, and promising to be more careful for the future.* Parker, his 
late partner, haying been appointed post-mas*er at New York, is accused by 
Weyman of suppressing the copies of the Gazette placed in the P. O. for distri¬ 
bution. Whether this was true or not, the circulation of his paper fell otf to such 
an extent that it ceased to be published Dec. 28, 1767. Its proprietor did not long 
survive it. On the 15th January following he resigned his office as public printer 
and after a lingering illness, which had for some time rendered him incapable of 
business, he died in New York on the 18th July 1768. It appears by one of the 
letters in this series, that he died bankrupt. Ed. 

* The Journal of the Assembly of the Prov. of New York for the Session of 1766, being 
unfortunately omitted in the printed edition, we have no means of comparing the above 
statement (made in Thomas's Hist, of Printing ) with the Votes of the House. 


328 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


REV. MR. WHEELOCK TO GENL AMHERST. 

Lebanon, Connecticut, April 2,1763. 
May it please your Excellency, 

The narrative herewith inclosed, gives your Excellency some 
short account of the success of my feeble endeavours, through 
the blessing of God upon them, in the affair there related. 

Your Excellency will easily see, that if the number of youth 
in this school continues to increase, as it has done, and as our 
prospects are that it will do, we shall soon be obliged to build to 
accommodate them, and accordingly to determine upon the place 
where to fix it. And I would humbly submit to your Excellen¬ 
cy’s consideration the following proposal, viz. 

That a tract of land, about fifteen or twenty miles square, or 
so much as shall be sufficient for four townships, on the west side 
of Susquehanna River, or in some other place more convenient, 
in the heart of the Indian country, be granted, in favor of this 
School. The said townships be peopled with a chosen number 
of inhabitants of known honesty, integrity, and such as love and 
will be kind to, and honest in their dealings with Indians. 

That a thousand acres of, and within said grant, be given to 
this school. And that the School be an Academy for all parts 
of useful learning ; part of it to be a College for the education of 
missionaries, interpreters, school masters, &c.; and part of it 
a school to teach reading, writing, &c. And that there be 
manufactures for the instruction both of males and females, in 
whatever shall be useful and necessary in life, and proper tutors, 
masters, and mistresses be provided for the same. That those 
towns be furnished with ministers of the best characters, and 
such as are of ability, when incorporated with a number of the 
most understanding of the inhabitants, to conduct the affairs of 
the school, and of such missions as they shall have occasion and 
ability for, from time to time. That there be a sufficient number 
of laborers upon the lands belonging to the school; and that the 
students be obliged to labor with them, and under their direction 
and conduct, so much as shall be necessary for their health, and 
to give them an understanding of husbandry. And those who 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


329 


are designed for farmers, after they have got a sufficient degree 
of school learning, to labor constantly, and the school to have 
all the benefit of their labor, and they the benefit of being 
instructed therein, till they are of an age and understanding 
sufficient to set up for themselves, and introduce husbandry 
among their respective tribes. And that there be a moderate 
tax upon all the granted lands, after the first ten or fifteen years, 
and also some duty upon mills, &c. which shall not be burdensome 
to the inhabitants, for the support of the school, or missionaries 
among the Indians, &c. 

By this mean much expence, and many inconveniences 
occasioned by our great distance from them, would be prevented, 
our missionaries be much better supported and provided for, 
especially in case of sickness, &c. Parents and children be more 
contented, being nearer to one another, and likely many persua¬ 
ded to send their children for an education who are now dissuaded 
from it, only on account of the great distance of the school from 
them. 

The bearer, Mr. Charles Jeffrey Smith, is able if your Excel¬ 
lency desires it, to give you a more full and particular account 
of the present state of this School, having been for some time 
the master and instructor of it, and is now designed with the 
leave of Providence, the ensuing summer, to make an excursion, 
as a missionary among the Indians, with an interpreter from this 
school. And by him your Excellency may favour me with your 
thoughts on what I have proposed. 

I am with sincerest duty and esteem 
May it please your Excellency 

your Excellency’s most obedient 
and most humble servant, 
Eleazar Wheelock, 


330 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REV. DR. BARCLAY. 

CONCERNING THE INDIAN PRAYER BOOK. 

Johnson Hall Apr* 29th 1763 
Sir, 

I have been favored with yours of the 12 th inst. which needed 
no Apology as I never in the least doubted your assiduity and 
inclination to forward a Work which I flatter myself will under 
your inspection prove of great utility to the propagation of 
Christian knowledge. 

I herewith Enclose you the plan which I most approve of for 
the Size & Quantity of the Book, the same being much-more 
portable than the other, and must therefore request you will 
give directions accordingly, and that you will likewise be so good 
as to give such Necessary Assistances therein as you shall Judge 
Expedient, for which purpose Capt Claus has sent you the Old 
Printed Book, as also that any other Offices &c which you can 
afford may be inserted for rendering the present Edition more 
Compleat than the former. 

I am glad you approve of my Sentiments concerning the Mis¬ 
sionaries which are not only very Requisite amongst the Indians, 
but will tend to advance the Established Church which is in great 
want of a proper support in these parts. 

D r Barclay I am &c. 


REY. MR. WHEELOCK TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Hartford May 16* h 1763 
Sir, 

May it please your Honour, 

I received last Evening a Paper with your Seal inclosing a 
Letter to Joseph from his Sister ; 1 wrote, I suppose in the Mohawk 
Language ; and by which he informs me, he is ordered to come 
directly home; that the Indians are displeased with his being 
here at School, that they don’t like the People &c, which has 
1 Molly Brant, Sir W. Johnson’s (< housekeeper.” Ed. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


331 


occasioned no small Exercise to my Mind, and many Turnings 
of Thoughts what should be the Occasion or meaning of it. 

In my last to you, I informed you of the truly noble, and charita¬ 
ble Design of M r Charles Jeffry Smith (who has been Joseph’s Tutor 
last winter), his Purpose to come with Joseph to you as soon as 
he could get ready for the Business of his proposed Mission, and 
that I designed to take Joseph with me to Boston & Portsmouth 
&c, and that you might expect him in June &c but whether you 
have received that Letter with others from M r Smith and Joseph 
I don’t learn, but suppose it likely you ha’n’t yet received them. 
And inasmuch as there was nothing wrote to me manifesting 
your Pleasure in the Affair, I presume your Honour did not know 
the Contents of the Inclosed though it came under your Seal; 
and how to conduct in the Affair I am at a great Loss—M r Smith 
is now gone to New York &c to prepare for his Mission ; I expect 
him back soon, and if he comes & finds Joseph gone, whom he 
depends upon for a Pilot & Companion he will be greatly disap¬ 
pointed, and I fear will think himself very ungratefully treated. 
Joseph is rendered so very uneasy, for fear of gaining the Dis¬ 
pleasure of his Friends, that I am doubtful whether it will do to 
detain him, and to send him alone will not be well, be sure on 
Foot, and to send a Horse with him may give him much Trouble 
to return him. Nor have I any intimation of any valuable End 
that may be served by his going before the Time proposed—And 
as Joseph desires to put himself under your Honour’s Conduct, 
as what he apprehends most safe & prudent for him to do, so I 
should be glad your Honour would as explicitly as you please 
let me know your Pleasure, And upon the whole think it advis¬ 
able to detain Joseph (if he will be content to stay), till I receive 
your Honour’s Pleasure, or till the Time appointed for his coming 
by M r Smith. 

And I am with Sincere Respect & Esteem 
Your Honour’s 

most obedient humble Serv* 
Eleazar Wheelock. 


Sir William Johnson. 


332 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


GEN. AMHERST TO REV. MR. WHEEIOCK. 

New York, May 23, 1763. 
Sir, 

This morning, Mr. Smith delivered me your letter of the 21st 
[2 d ] April, with the narrative enclosed, which I have perused. 
The design is a very commendable one, and I should be extremely 
happy in having it in my power, to be any ways instrumental in 
civilizing the Indians, and promoting seminaries of learning in 
this country ; but as the disposal and settlement of the conquered 
lands in America must be determined by His Majesty, and that 
there is reason to beleive the same is now under consideration at 
home ; I can only advise you to make application there ; for I 
have no authority whatever, to dispose of any lands in this 
country. You cannot have a better patron than the nobleman 
to whom you have dedicated your narrative, and I shall be very 
glad to hear that your application is attended with success. 

I am, Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

Rev. Eleazar Wheelock. Jeffry Amherst. 


REV. DR. BARCLAY TO REVD. SAM L JOHNSON. 

Rev d Sir 

I am so crampt in Time that I cannot give You a particular 
answer to yours of the First Instant. I know not how to advise 
M r . Bennet 1 to go amongst the Indians in this unsettled state 

1 Mr. Bennet was originally master of the first school, established in 1741, in 
connection with the Episcopal Church at Newport, R. I. The Abstract of the 
Soc. for Prop, the Gospel, for 1765, referring to him says “ By a .letter from Mr. 
Cornelius Bennet, Catechist to the Mohawk Indians, inclosed in a letter from the 
Renrd. Mr. Apthorp, dated 12 March, 1764, we learn that Mr. Bennet has entered 
upon the work of instructing the Indians, and has a fine company of children 
under his care, who are very orderly and ingenious. They hear prayers morning 
and evening, learn to read English, are catechised in the Mohawk Tongue, 
taught obedience to their parents, the observation of the Lords day, Respect to 
their Superiors, and a courteous behaviour to all. This, he says, is the only 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


333 


• • • • 

of things amongst Them. I am in hopes we shall hear better 
acc tts soon. I cannot find that the Mohawks approve of the 
Measured taken by the other Indian Nations, but some people 
suspect them. As to the Boston Commissioners, ’tho’ I could have 
wished the Society had been before hand with them, yet, as you 
say, I cannot see how we can refuse their offer. Please therefor 
in your Letter to them to signify My assent to their proposal. 
I have not time to write to M r Bennet now but shall as soon as I 
have a certain acc tl of the State of Things amongst the Indians. 
If he ventures, I shall comply with my proposal as to Lodging 
and Board, till such Time as I conclude a Bargain with Sir 
William Johnson who is treating with me for my Farm, for a 
Glebe for the Indian Missionary, as I have before informed you 
please inform M r Bennet of this. 

As to the printing my letter to M r Apthorp, with Your 
piece, I should have no objection, if it were not that I suspect 
mine to the Society in answer to Smith may still be published. 
Besides I have not a copy of it for I had no time to take 
one. I am however'willing to do any thing You Shall judge 
useful. I am with usual Compliments 

Rev Sir 

Yours affectionately 

Henry Barclay. 

Aug st 8 1763 

P. S. I have had a long letter from Rye intimating M r Palmers 1 

English school ever known here, and may by a divine blessing, sooth and mollify 
their wild fierce Tempers. The parents are so well pleased with their children’s 
Improvement that they send them for Instruction from an Indian Town 30 miles 
up the River. As there is no Physician near, Mr. Bennet visits the poor Indians 
when they are sick and infirm, and supplies them with Medicines, by which 
means their minds are still more conciliated towards the English. Mr. Apthorp 
recommends him to the continuance of the Societies Favour as a person well 
qualified for the service he has undertaken.” Rev. Mr. East Apthorp was the Socie¬ 
ty’s Missionary at Cambridge, Mass., which charge he resigned at the date of the 
above letter, and returned to England, were he died in 1816- Mr. Bennet did not 
continue long among the Mohawks, for h : s name does not appear on the Society’s 
lists in connection with them after this date.—E d. 

1 Revd. Mr. Palmer was originally a Dissenting Minister of New England. 
He went to England with strong recommendations from the Revd. Dr. Johnson 
and other clergymen, and was ordained by the Bishop of Bangor in 1754. On his 


334 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


unwillingness to give up that Mission for N. Haven, and a 
growing disaffection to Mr. Punderson at Rye 1 M r Cooper was 
at Westchester on Sunday last and tells me he hears Mr. Pun¬ 
derson is endeavoring to make Interest There. 


MR. WEYMAN TO REV. DR. BARCLAY. 

CONCERNING THE INDIAN PRAYER BOOK. 

Rev d Sir 

I send a 2 d Proof to be revised by you.—I apprehend y e Cor¬ 
rections on our Side be not so exact as I could‘wish.—Please to 
peruse it a 2 d Time.—We are put to prodigious Difficulty to 
print such Language (in form) in North America, where we have 
not the Command of a Letter-Maker’s founding-House to suit 
ourselves in y e particular Sorts required, such as— g’s — k’s — y’s — 
&c.—§*c. when had it been in y e English Tongue, we could make 
much greater Dispatch,—but at present ’fjs absolutely impossi¬ 
ble,—I having been obliged to borrow sundry Letters from my 

return he became missionary of the towns of New Milford, Sharon and Litch¬ 
field, Conn. In 1761, he was removed at his own request, to Amboy, N. J. On 
the recommendation of Dr. Johnson he was appointed successor to Mr. Wetmore 
at Rye, in 1763. But the congregation at this place preferred the Revd. Mr. 
Punderson, and the Society was requested to change Mr. Palmer, which it 
declined. “ The people at Rye (says the Archb. of Canterbury, writing to Dr. 
J., March 1763.) may refuse him if they will, and take the maintenance of Mr. 
Punderson on themselves, and we shall be very well pleased.’’ The difficulty 
was settled apparently, for we find Mr. Palmer at New Haven in 1764. In 1769, 
he was missionary at Litchfield and Great Barrington. His death is supposed to 
have occurred in 1772, for Mr. Mosely is mentioned as Missionary at Litchfield 
in 1773 .—Ed. 

1 Ebenezer Punderson, graduated at Yale Coll, in 1726, and was a Con¬ 
gregational Minister at Groton, Conn. He conformed to the Church of England 
about the year 1732. Having received orders in London in 1734, he organized a 
congregation, on his return, in Norwich, at the village of Poquetanuck about the 
year 1738. His name appears on the Society’s lists as “ Itinerant Missionary 
in Connecticut,” until 1753, when he was settled in the church of N. Haven, the 
place of his nativity. In the spring of 1763, being succeeded by the Rev. John 
Beardslee, he took charge of the Church of Rye, Westchester Co., and officiated 
there and in the adjoining towns until the following year, when he died (22d 
Sept.) aged 60 years.— Ed. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


335 


brother Printers even to complete this present half sheet, when 
I have as complete an office to print English as any of them.— 
For these Reasons, I trust neither yourself, or Sir William, will 
condemn me for neglect,—adding, withal, the Difficulty of keep¬ 
ing a Journeyman to his Duty. 

I am, Sir, Your obliged H ble Servant, 

Oct r 20, 1763. Wm. Weyman. 


REV. MR. MPPIUS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Conajoharie December 29 th 1763. 

Sir! 

The good opportunity I have by M r William Seeber my friend, 
gives me encouragement to trouble your Honour with these few 
Lines, to beg the favour of sending me by him a bottle of brandy 
& some Raisins, which your Honour would have send long ago, 
if you had a good opportunity, as I am resolved to Trye that 
Cure with old Peer, I have drank this 4 weeks an ugly Drink of 
what the Germans Call Longe Kraut, which grows on the white 
oak Trees, & this Decoctum makes me Cough up more as ever 
I did, but my breath goes freer & Stronger, Doctor Stringer has 
send me 2 boxes of pills which I used, I can not say of any great 
effect they did, Seeng that all will not do, I shall Try Peer & 
then leave of, My Strength goes away with my flesh, for all have 
I good Stomach & appetite like a Man that is wel, I did leave of 
for a while preaching, which neglect I thougt made me siker as 
I was, therefore have don my Service last holydays & was wel 
afterwards, the only thing what troubles me so much, is cold I 
can hardly get a warm foot in a Day, if I’set upon the Stoaf, 
which occasioned great head ague, So that I was several times 
in a bad Condition for that Complaints sake, I have no warm 
Cloathing & my house is vere cold & most open, & so poor in 
cash &c: that I can not for this time supply this Want, your 
Honour would oblige your old faithfull Servant, if you would 
Trust him a cupple new planckets for making a new, warm Coat, 
to cover his Cold sick poor body, till he shall turn wel or able 
to Do Your Honour satisfaction for them.' 



336 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


I furder must Complaint to your Honour out of my Lazareth 
that Wicked Ury Clokhas puzzled into the Eears of Some people 
upon the land called the Switzer mount, that your Honour had 
ordered me to make them all sign a bond for ail the Costs which 
would arise from that Action, under the Name of a petition,Which 
your Honor know as wel as I that never such a thing lias been 
don, the ignorant people have most Eaten up my little flesh & 
bones, which I thought they would tare in pieces, would it not 
been good that Clok should be paid once for his Devilish seditious 
humour ? 

Finally do I wish your Honour & the whole your Noble Family 
a blessed & happy Exodum to this most Ended year, & a pros¬ 
perous Transitum & over step into the New year near by, The God 
of heaven & Eart Grant your Honour upon a New His Godly 
Patronage, favour Mercy, Wisdom, Strength & all Requisita, with 
which he has been pleased to Endow your Person this Manny Years 
to the best of Land & Church, as a faithfull Servant unto his 
Master the king, & that when your Days are spent, that.I may 
have the pleasure to See you with this My Eyes in the Rest & 
happiness to Come after this Troublesome Life, So wishes he, 
who Dyes 


Your Honours 

Most Dutifull Servant 

Joh. Casp: Lappius. 
Y. D. M. 

P. S. My Neighboor John Abeel Acts the Mad man. 


REV. FATHER ROBAUD TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 

Sir 

I am Extreemly sensible, and very readily acknowledge, the 
great honour you have done me, by your late obliging Letter. 
Every part thereof breath politeness, Witt and Generosity; An 
open heart and Sincere, all declares the man of honour, and 
shews Monsieur le Chevallier Johnson. I have no Term ; no 
Expression can avail me, to render (or speak) all I naturally 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


337 


feel, at the sight of so noble, so generous a proceeding. I had 
not heretofore the honour to be acquainted with the English 
Nation. Born in the midst of France without being natural 
Subject of the French King, I had hitherto hardly known any but 
Frenchmen. But how truly can I affirm that I never have seen 
in any one of them, any tiling that approach in the least, of or 
Like that noble generosity, (or the great characteristick of the 
English,) so Remarkable amongst the English. I have followed 
that Nation Step by Step, Ever since the conquest of Canada., and 
I confess that I cannot recover my surprise. What hath made 
the greatest Impression on my mind, is that fund of Integrity, 
which nothing can alter : that disinterestedness, which is above 
what ever I can say in its praise. If New England had been so 
unfortunate as to become the prey of the French, it had time 
to shed Tears, or to Mourn and bewail its lamentable fate. And 
Canada Taken by the English, daily bless its Destiny, yes, I 
daily hear the Canadians wishing Joy to one another, and con¬ 
gratulating themselves, that they have been taken by General 
Amherst, and are governed by the respectable heros that com¬ 
mands there, this day. This, I have had the honour to declare 
to Gen 1 Hamerst, last winter in my Letters, and will not cease to 
proclaim the same to the world, wilst I have Being. 

These generous proceeding have so far gained Upon me, that 
I have not hesitated on moment, but Gave general Amherst all 
the knowledge and Lights, which my Stay in Canada, and my 
connections, Especially, with the late French generals, have ena¬ 
bled me to procure. These papers are of the utmost consequence, 
You’ll Judge thereof on their Titles. You shall hereafter be 
acquainted with the motives, which obliges me to declare them 
(that is, the contents of the papers,) to you. The first packet 
contained a discourse directed to Gen 1 Hamerst, wherein I shew 
him, what it would be right for England to Insist on, and do, 
Whether, at the Next peace to be made, Canada be returned to 
the French, or no. There is many things in this discourse re¬ 
garding the Indians, Especially the Abenakis and the Iroquois , 
who may be called English Indians, and u T hom it would be very 
practicable to bring back again into their Ancient habitations, 
let the Event of the war be what it will, that is to say, the one 

Vol. iv. ’22 


338 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Nation in Acadia, and the other among the Six Nations. I show 
therein the means, and at the same time declare the Immense 
Benefit, that would Accrue to the British commerce, from this 
kind of Transmigration. I am so bent for that same, tMt if 
Canada be restored to the French, and Gener 1 Amherst, from 
whom I daily Expect an Answer to some former Letter, don’t 
give me a Call, I will certainly quit the Contry. 

The second packet contained Instructions from M r Montcalm 
to divers Minimes of France, to the minimes of the Marine, to 
the plenipotentiaries Intended to be sent to the future congress 
for the General peace,- to the future governoer of Canada, And 
finally to the Intendants. 

The third and last packet contained a code of Civil Law 
adapted for the governm* of Canada, which M r de Moncalm had 
at his leasure houres originally projected and drawn, this last 
work is not perfect, and altho I daily work thereon, it cannot be 
so soon finished, the truth is, that having unhapily lost a part 
of my papers in my frequent Travels, I must supply what is 
wanting. This is the matter contained in these papers, which I 
had the honour to remit to General Amherst, and concerning 
which I Expect a decisive Answer. If these papers concerned 
you in the least, I would gladly transmit them to you, but I could 
not very soon comply, because, besides the Extraordinary length 
of the contents of these papers, I am now busy in completing the 
Canadian Code of Civil law, but I should have remitted you 
indeed the discourse to General Amherst, wherein Are contained 
many Anecdotes relating to the Indians. You will be so kiud 
to Signify your pleasure on this Subject, and you shall be obeyed. 

Could I but obtain the honour of waiting on you, I would 
more fully apprise you, with the whole Matter of fact; and I 
assure you that if that was intirely left to my choice, I should 
soon offer myself into your presence, but I have not been able 
hetherto to obtain leave of the government, to undertake such a 
Journey. They have rather been pleased to order my Stay at 
S* Francois,.»where indeed I have been protected against a multi¬ 
tude 6f Enemies, Especially my Brethren, the Jesuits; who have 
proclaimed open war against me, but thank to god, I have found 
my good protection amongst those of the English Nation. My 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


339 


Indians cannot set out for your place these ten days, poverty 
hath lengthened their hunting Season, and is the real cause of 
this delay ; which Excuse, I pray you to accept for your self, 
and to cause it, to be accepted of also, by the Loups and the Six 
Nations. They will on return bring me your Answer and what 
may be your pleasure in regard to what I have had the honour 
to impart to you above. 

I Long to find some signal opportunity, I don’t say to prove 
you my gratitude ; a man of that little account, as I am ; is not 
capable of doing it in a manner worthy of you. but at least, to 
show you some part of that most Sincere respect and attachment 
which I have for your person. I never was fortunate in my 
whole life, and I told it to myself a thousand times, that I was 
not born to be the happy Man. But I have erred ; & I am happily 
convinced thereof from the moment I got into your acquaintance, 
and gained your friendship. The friendship of a gentleman like 
you, is a fortune of Superior value, tis a good so transcendant, 
that I don’t think I have ever procured myself so valuable a one 
since I was born. I dare to subjoin, Sir, that I am not all 
together Unworthy, and that if I merit such distinction, I merritt 
it by these sentiments of respect devotion and attachment, 
which will End with my Life. This is my way of thinking, it is 
the heart that dictates all I write, therefore pardon my spinning this 
Letter to such unusuall length. When the heart is Engaged 
with a person thoroughly Esteemed, it hath always some thing 
new to Impart. * 

I eagerly wait for your Answer, as I hope it may decide some¬ 
thing in my favour, and will perhaps procure me the honour and 
pleasure of waiting on you soon, according to my wishes. 

I am with great Respect &c. 


THE SCHOOLMASTER ATCANAJOHARY TO S* W“ JOHNSON. 

Canajohary March y e 22 d 1764. 

Brother Waronghyage 

The most Part of the Indians here in our Castle have consent¬ 
ed and agreed that I should instruct their children to read and 
write, I do also consent to perform the same if * they entirely 



340 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


agree to it. I tliink it would be good also if you would advise 
them to act in Pursuance thereof. Some of them like me well 
enough, but will not approve of having their children chastised 
if they do Ill. I would have you to write to me how r I am to 
act in this Affair, that I might acquaint them whatds your Plea¬ 
sure in this Respect. I am very certain that some take great 
Delight in having their children instructed, and taught to read 
and write, and for such I shall use more than common zeal to 
perform the Trust in me reposed. I wish you could send me 
ttt r o of .our printed Books, for I want them very much for two 
of my Scholars that are pretty fur advanced in their Learning, 
please to send them with my Father or Mother I am very 
scarce of Paper, I wish you could assist me in that, as also with 
some Quills to make Writing Pens 

Please to send with my Mother the ten Pounds w 7 h ch I have 
with you yet, and I shall remain your Brother, 

Philip Jonathan. 


M R WEYMAN TO SIR W M JOHNSON, 

ABOUT THE INDIAN PRAYER BOOK. 

New Y r ork, Sep 1 17, 1764. 
Sir, 

Your favour of August 22 d 1764, I received and duly com¬ 
plied with your Orders touching y e advertisement, by inserting 
it in y e other News Papers of this City, besides my own. 

Your Excellency’s request with Regard to the Indian Prayer 
Book, I can trnly answer by saying That the long Indisposition 
and Death of D r Barclay (which since y e writing of yours no 
doubt you heard of) put a total Stop to its Progress, more than 
you have now inclosed, it not being in our Power to revise or 
correct it at any Rate ; so that ’twill require your appointment 
of some proper Person to overlook it as we proceed in y e Com¬ 
position. Before the Doctor’s Death he told me y e Copy lie had 
was vastly eroneous, which took him up a good deal of time to 
correct, still ’doubtfull of his own Capacity, having not studied 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


341 


y e Language much since his Call here ; and partly had forgot it, 
but was determined to do his best—adding withal, That there 
was some Gentleman (he mentioned his name to me but I forgot 
it) who had a more perfect Copy than his, and who understood 
y e Language at this time better than he did ;—I think he told 
me it was your Son, or one by y e Name of Claus , or Closser who 
then was absent at Quebeck, Montreal, or some other distant 
Part back of you, or y e D r would have wrote to have got it; 
and whether he ever signify’d it to you I cannot tell. Thus it 
rests. I have one half sheet of y® D r ’ s correcting in hand ; y® 
Remainder of y® Copy is at his Widdow’s, which I could obtain 
at your Request, and deliver it to any Person you chuse should 
have y® Correction of it and y® work shall proceed directly, and 
be finished. 

I am, Your Excellency’s 

Much obliged H bl ® Servant 
W M Weyman. 


REVD. DR. WHEELOCK TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Lebanon 24 th Oct r . 1764. 

Sir 

The Commissioners of a Bord of Corrispondents, lately 
formd by a Comission of the Hon bl ® Society in Scotland for 
Propagating Christian knowledge, some time ago sent M r . 
Occum,' to meet Your Honour, on Your Return from your late 


1 Samson Occom, an Indian clergyman, was born at Mohegan, near Norwich, 
Conn., in the year 1723. He was the first Indian-pupil educated at Lebanon, by 
the Rev. Mr. Wheelock, with whom he entered in 1742, at the age of 19, and 
remained with him 4 years. In 1748 he taught school in New London, and about 
the year 1755, went to the east end of Long Island, where he opened a school for 
the Shenecock Indians. He was ordained by the Suffolk Presbytery in August, 
1759. In Jan. 1761, he visited the Oneidas, and in 1766 was sent by Mr. Whee- 
lock to England with Mr. Whittaker, the Minister of Norwieh, in order to pro¬ 
mote the interests of Moor’s School, as Mr. Wheelock’s institution at Lebanon 
was called. As Occum was the first Indian preacher that visited England, ho 
attracted large audiences and preached between three and four hundred sermons. 



342 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Tour to Lake Erie, in Hopes he might meet You before the 
Parties from remote Tribes, who had joyn’d you, should be 
dispersed ; in Order to make Proposals to them *of Receiving 
Missionaries, and School Masters among their respective Tribes. 
Rut when M*. Occum came to N. York and heard that you was 
got Home, he was thereupon advised to return, and accordingly 
did so ; by which Means I was prevented such a supply of 
proper youth for this school as I hoped he, with your assis¬ 
tance, and Direction, might obtain from Tribes more remote 
than I have yet had. Which Disappointment is, in part, the 
occasion of the present trouble given your Honour. 

The Bearers M r . Kirtland, and Joseph Woolley, 1 come to 
submitt themselves to your Hon rs Direction and conduct with 
Desire to learn the Seneca and Mohock Languages, and while 
they are doing that to teach school among them also, if it may 
be, to procure a Number of likely and suitable, youth for this 
school. We have heard of a promising English Youth, whom 
you have sent to King Thomas at Onoquagee, and also of one, 
Peter, a judicious, and religious Indian there, and also of two 
likely Indian Boys whom M r Forbush pointed out to the Commis- 


About £1,000 were collected for establishing Schools among the American Abo¬ 
rigines. This was placed in the hands of Trustees of whom the Earl of Dart¬ 
mouth was the principal, and Dr. Wheelock’s School was removed to Hanover, 
N. H. On Occum’s return he labored among his countrymen, and removed 
eventually in 1786 to Brotherton, near Utica, N. Y., whither many Mohegans 
and Montauks accompanied him, and where he died in July 1792, aged 69. He 
was accompanied to the grave by upwards of 300 Indians. An account of the 
Indians of Montauk, by Occum, is published in the Mass: Hist: Coll. He pub¬ 
lished a sermon at the execution of Moses Paul at New Haven, Sept. 2, 1772 
and much of his correspondence is among the papers of the Hist. Soc. of Hart¬ 
ford, Conn. A portrait of him was published in one of the early Vols. of the 
Evangelical Mag. McClure's Life of Wheelock—Life of Countess of Huntington. 


1 Joseph Woolley was a Delaware. He was sent by Dr. John Brainerd to Dr. 
Wheelock’s school, where he arrived with Hezekiah Calvin, another Delaware, 
9 April 1757. He spent the winter of 1764, at Onohoghquage for the purpose 
of learning the Iroquois language. He was licensed to teach in the spring of 1765, 
and set out shortly after with Rev. Mr. Smith, on his return to his previous post at 
the Susquehannah river, but he fell sick at Cherry Valley, and died in the course 
of the same year. He is represented as of an amiable disposition and polished 
manners.—E d. 


TIIE SIX NATIONS. 


343 


sioners in Boston, for an English Education. If Your Hon r 
advises to any, or all of these, and they may be obtained, I 
will take them, or any others you shall think proper, to the 
number of 10. or 15. and if you think best to send several 
Females to be instructed in Housewifery &c I will receive them. 

If there shall be occasion for Woolley to return to accompany 
the Children hither, please to Order him to do so, and if there 
be no Door open for their attaining the other End of their 
Journey, they will both Return. 

I rely upon the repeated assurances Your Hon r has given me 
of your Friendship in this affair, and in Confidence thereof, 
recommend these young men to your Hon rs Patronage, and 
submitt the whole to your Determination. 

The Boys, I have from Your Parts behave very well, better 
than any I have had from apy other Quarter; and it seems to 
me they are really a much better Breed, little Peter is a fine 
Genius indeed. But off their state, and the state of my school 
M r . Kirtland can inform you. 

I look upon myself in particular, as well as, upon my country 
in general, to be much indebted to Your Honour for Your 
indefatigable and (hitherto) successful Labors, to establish a 
Peace with the Natives, upon a sollid and lasting Foundation. 
May God requite Your Labour and Fatigue with that peace 
which is the peculiar privilege of his chosen. I am with most 
sincere duty and Esteem, may it please Your Honor. 

Your Honour’s 
Most obedient and 
Most Humble Servant 

Eleazar Wheelock. 


M R WEYMAN TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 


New York, Nov 1 ' 27, 1764. 
Sir 

As I have had no Directions from your Excellency how to act 
in Regard to y e Indian Prayer Book, since I wrote and sent you 
ye Copy Part of what I had printed ; and being lately informed 



344 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


that y e Gentleman I mentioned to you by y e Name of Cap 1 
Clause , was your Son, and that you could not spare him to come 
down to revise and correct y e Impression here ; I therefore 
made bold to apply to M rs Barclay , for all y e Copy relating to it, 
that she could find in y e Doctor’s Library. She was kind to 
forward it down to me this Day ; and I now inclose it, imagin¬ 
ing, (unless your Excellency has some Gentleman here to under¬ 
take its Inspection) that its being transcribed in a very fair 
legible Hand under your own Eye, and by y e Assistance of your 
Son’s Copy, the Book can still be finished ; as, by being trans¬ 
mitted to me, in a fair Manuscript, or other plain Alterations to 
be made in y e printed Copy ; I will undertake to finish it to 
satisfaction in y e form already began, and keep Letter for Letter 
with y e M. S. you send me. I inclose another set of what I 
have printed, lest y® one I sent before may have miscarried. 

I am, Your fexcellency’s 

very obliged Humble Servant. 

W M Weyman. 


CIRCULAR OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF ARTS. 

New-York, lO^ Dec* 1 , 1764. 

A very laudable Spirit for promoting the Welfare of this 
Colony, begins to prevail here—A Society is already formed, 
consisting of Persons of all Ranks, who propose to advance hus¬ 
bandry, promote Manufactures, and suppress Luxury—Several 
Hundred Pounds are already subscribed, and paid into the 
Hands of Mr. John Vanderspiegel, the Treasurer—Other neces¬ 
sary Officers are appointed, and several Committees formed for 
the good Ends more fully explained in the Public Papers now 
inclosed. 

The Society have thought fit to Name us to be a Committee 
for Correspondence, with all those Gentlemen at a distance who 
may be willing to lend their Aid for the general Weal of .the 
Colony. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


345 


In Discharge of this Trust, we beg Leave to invite you to 
subscribe, and to take as many Subscriptions as you can obtain, 
receive the Money, and transmit it to the Treasurer; to be 
disposed of in Premiums as the Society shall hereafter direct; 
of which Premiums many will fall to the Share of the Farmer. 
The Form of a Head for the Subscription-Roll, is added at the 
Foot of this Letter. And we think it necessary further to men¬ 
tion, that no Subscription under Twenty Shilling will be 
received; and that a Subscription of Five Pound entitles the 
Subscriber to vote in the Disposal of the Funds. 

As diifusing a Zeal for this Undertaking throughout the Pro¬ 
vince, will probably be attended with the most beneficial Effects, 
permit us to urge you to Form a Society in your Neighbourhood, 
to meet as often as they conveniently can, to correspond with 
us, and to furnish us with useful Hints relative to what may be 
proper to fall under the Society’s Notice ; and particularly what 
Branches of Husbandry ought to be encouraged ; and for what 
Manufactures Premiums ought to be given ; and, in general, to 
suggest all Manner of proposals that may be for the Public Bene¬ 
fit in Arts, Manufactures, Agriculture and (Economy. 

You may be assured that a proper Respect will be shewn to 
your Schemes, Hints, and Proposals; and that they will be 
regularly communicated to the Society, at their monthly Con¬ 
ventions. 

We are, Your very Humble Servants, 

Ch 8 W. Apthorp. 

W M Smith J r 
Wal r Rutherfurd. 

Jn° Morin Scott. 

Ja 8 Duane. 

To the Hon ble S r William Johnson Bart 4 
at Johnson Hall. 


346 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


SIR W. JOHNSON TO THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE 
OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING ARTS &c. 

Johnson Hall Jany 4 th 1765. 

Gentlemen, 

I did not receive your favour of the 10 th u]to till a few days 
ago, neither had I a moments leisure to answer it till now. You 
may be assured that I shall think myself happy In any opportu¬ 
nity of promoting the Welfare of this Province, & of encouraging 
as far as in me lyes a laudable "Spirit for that purpose, which 
can not be better effected than by the Suppression of Luxury & 
the promoting Husbandry and Manufactures, the former has not 
as yet crept in to the parts where my Interest & acquaintance 
chiefly lyes, to any Degree requiring a restriction, & sho d rather 
think that a little turn for possessing more of the conveniences 
of Life wo d rather stir up a Spirit of Industry am’st the people 
here, who tho’ they have Lands well Qualified for it, nevertheless 
neglect Husbandry as they have little relish beyond the mere 
necessarys of Life, & are too Indolent in Gen 1 to Labour for 
more than a bare subsistence. I am far from thinking the sup¬ 
pression of Luxury, an unnecessary article, on the Contrary I 
most earnestly wish that the people of America may be prevail¬ 
ed upon to live with 0 the bounds prescribed by their Rank & 
fortune, and so far as that it would give me great pleasure to 
support the undertaking as well as to encourage Husbandry in 
all its branches. And altho’ I am persuaded you will not 
encourage any schemes which may be disagreable to the Mother 
Country Yet you must allow that in a Society composed of per¬ 
sons of all Ranks some things may at least be proposed by some 
of the Members which cannot be pleasing to G l Britain, and in 
which I couldn’t with the least propriety engage, as a Servant 
to the Crown. 

The Nature of my Department likewise affords me little time to 
advert to matters of this nature which I presume you will readily 
allow when I assure you that so far from having leisure to attend 
to any domestic concerns, I cannot command the ordinary hours 
of refreshment amply enjoyed by every Labourer in the province, 
& tho’ I might give myself more Ease I could not do so consist- 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


347 


ent with myself and with my desire to promote the public 
Tranquility. 

I must request your Acceptance of <£10 Curr which I shall 
Direct M r Darlington of N York to pay into the Treasurers hands, 
and if circumstanced.as I am, I can be of any farther service to 
your undertaking, I shall most Chearfully comply, to convince 
you how much I am a Wellwisher to this province 
and your very humble Serv*. 


REV. MR BROWN TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 

8 ^ 

I have received y r kind Favor by Paulus, & have, (I hope) 
given him Satisfaction. I have paid him in cash 

Bills of Ten pounds 2 

D to of Two D t0 2 

D to of Jersey £3.50 1 

In gold 3.3 0 

Total 30 8 0 

I have likewise Paid to M r Ab m Lyle for goods Twenty Pounds 
eighteen shilling’s, so that I have paid him three shillings too 
much. 

I shall do the Duty at Albany on Sunday next; but propose 
being at the Mohock Castle the Sunday following, shall therefore 
be obliged to you to acquaint the Indians of it. As for News we 
expect all from you ; we are quit dull & stupid in this Place. 
I see you laugh & say to y r self when was you otherwise. How¬ 
ever the Weather being Dull & Heavy I think it add’s to my 
dullness likewise, so shall conclude by subscribing myself 

y r oblidged Hum Serv 1 
T : Brown. 


Albany Jan 1765 




348 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION 
OF THE ARTS. 

Johnson hall Feby 27 th 1765. 

Gentlemen 

I have received your favor of the 5 th Inst and I am very 
glad to hear that the Society do not avow any articles affecting 
England, as such would have evidently apeared in the Mother 
Country to be the result of rancour and passion, which might be 
productive of Disagreeable effects to the province in General, k 
I am Persuaded that a due attention to those Improvements, 
which can in no wise be construed to affect his Majestys domin¬ 
ions at home will answer many Salutary purposes. 

The state of Agriculture in this country is very low, and in 
short likely to remain so to the great Detriment of the Province, 
which might otherwise draw many resources from so extensive 
and valuable a Country, but the turn of the old settlers here is 
not much calculated for improvement, content with the meer 
Necessaries of Life, they don’t chuse to purchase its superfluities 
at the expencb of Labour neither will they hazard the smallest 
matter for the most reasonable prospect of gain, and this 
principle will probably subsist as long as that of their equality, 
which is at present at such a pitch that the conduct of one 
neighbor can but little influence that of another. 

Wheat which in my opinion must shortly prove a drug, is in 
fact what they chiefly concern themselves about and they are not 
easily to be convinced that the Culture of other articles will tend 
more to their advantage. If a few of the Machines made use 
of for the breaking of hemp was distributed amongst those who 
have Land proper for the purpose it might give rise to the 
culture of it—or if one only properly constructed was sent as a 
model, it might Stir up a spirit of Industry amongst them, but 
Seed is greatly wanted, k Cannot be procured in these parts, 
and the Germdins (who are the most Industrious people here) 
are in general in too low circumstances to concern themselves 
in anything attended with the smallest Expence, their Planta- 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


349 


tions being as yet in their infancy, & with regard to the old 
Settlers amongst the Germans who live farther to the Westward, 
they have greatly adopted the sentiments of the rest of the 
inhabitants. The-Country Likewise labours under the disadvant¬ 
age of narrow, and (in many places) bad roads, which would be 
still worse did I not take care that the inhabitants, laboured 
to repair them according to law. the ill Condition of Publick 
roads is a Great obstruction to husbandry, the high Wages of 
labouring men, and the great number of tepling houses are 
likewise articles which very much v r ant regulation. These 
disagreeable circumstances must for sometime retard the Pro¬ 
gress of husbandry ; I could heartily w T ish I had more leisure to 
attend to these necessary articles of Improvements to promote 
which my Influence and Example should not be w r anting. I 
have formerly had pease very w r ell split at my mills, and I shall 
set the same forward amongs’t the people as far as I can, I have 
Likewise sent for Collections of many Seeds, and usefull grasses 
which I shall Encourage them to raise, and from the great w r ants 
of stock, even for home use, & Consumption, I am doing all I 
can to turn the intention of the inhabitants to raising these 
necessary articles, for the purchase of which, a good deal of cash 
has hither to been annually carried into the N. England Collonies. 

Before I set the Examples, no farmer on the Mohock River 
ever raised so much as a single Load of Hay, at present some 
raise above one Hundred, the like w T as the case in regard to 
sheep, to which they u r ere intire strangers until I introduced 
them, & I have the Satisfaction to see them at present possess 
many other articles, the result of my former Labors for promo¬ 
ting their welfare and interests, my own Tennants amounting 
to about 100 Familys are not as yet in circumstances to do 
much, they w r ere settled at great Expence and hazard dureing the 
heat of the War, and it was principally (I may venture to 
affirm, solely) oweing to their residence & mine, that the rest of 
the inhabitants did not all abandon their settlements at that 
Distressful! Period ; But tho’ my Tennants are considerably in 
my Debt, I shall yet give them all the assistance I can for 
encouraging any usefull Branches of Husbandry, which I shall 
contribute to promote thro’out the rest of the country to the 


350 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


utmost of my power, and Communicate to you any material 
article which may occur upon that Subject. 

I am 

Gentlemen, your very humble servant 
Mess™ Smith & Rutherfoord 


REV. MR WHEELOCK TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 


Lebanon March 28 d 1765 
Sir 

Your Excellency’s Favour of February 19 th by David and 
Peter came safe to Hand. I thank your Excellency most heartily 
for all your Condescension, and repeated Favours shown me; 
and particularly, for your love for, and kindness to, my dear M r 
Kirtland. I have been concerned, lest, through the Zeal and 
Vigour of his youth, the natural Sprightliness of his Genius, and 
Unacquaintedness with the Business he was sent upon, he would 
be surprized into some indecent and imprudent Sallies. But my 
principal confidence, under God, has been in that paternal care 
for such, which I take to be a Native in your Excellency’s Breast. 
I pray your Excellency to continue your paternal Kindness 
towards him., and whatever Supplies he shall stand in Need of 
please to provide him with the same, and charge them to my 
Account. I have inclosed to him an Address to the Chiefs of 
the Nations, to be convened by your orders this Month, and have 
desired him to submit the same to your Excellency’s censures, 
which I hope you will not at all spare, out of Favour to me. 

I am well pleased with Peter and David. They both seem 
honestly desirous to be instructed. 

We expect to have Opportunity to recommend to your Excel¬ 
lency’s favourable Notice, two likely young Gentlemen, in the 
capacity of Missionaries, this spring ; and three young Indians 
of this School, in the capacity of school masters. I purpose 
also, that all your five first Boys shall come home this Spring, or 
by some Time in June, to visit their Friends, and return to me 
in the Fall. It is proposed that they shall keep Schools under 
the conduct of the Missionaries. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 351 

William will likely make a fine Boy. He behaves very well. 
A specimen of his Writing I inclose. 

I have this Week received a Letter from the Countess of 
Huntingdon , 1 wherein she expresses great Friendship towards 
this School, &c. And as your Excellency’s Influence is great at 
Home, and, in these affairs, greater than any other Man’s, May 
not I use the Freedom to ask for the Benefit of it toward the 
Support and Progress of this School I I think it will be a great 
Pity if Party Names, and circumstantial Differences, in Matters 
of Religion, should by any Means obstruct the Progress of this 
so great and important Design of Gospelizing the Heathen. 

Please to let the Parents of these Boys, know, that they are 
all well; and also inform them of their proposed Visit to them. 

I hope your Excellency will be able to obtain the Grand son 
of the Onondaga Sachem, which you mentioned to me, and send 
him with M r Kirtland, whom I have advised to visit us this 
Spring. 

And that God may long preserve your valuable and important 
Life, and continue and increase your Usefulness in the World, is 
the earnest Prayer of, 

May it please your Excellency, 
your much obliged, and 

most obedient, humble Servant. 

Eleazar Wheelock. 

His Excellency, Sir William Johnson. 

1 Selina, countess of Huntingdon the u Countess Matilda” of Wesleyism, the 
Second daughter of Washington earl of Ferrars, \vas born 24 Aug. 1707, & \ 
married Theophilus 9th Earl of Huntingdon. After a severe illness she abandoned 
her former habits of gayety and dissipation, and became all at once grave, reserved 
and melancholy. Her thoughts were wholly absorbed by religion and she employ¬ 
ed her ample resources in disseminating her principles by the agency of Whitefield, 
Romaine and other Methodist Clergyman. She not only threw open her private 
residence to, but built chapels in various parts of England for the accommodation 
of their followers, and erected a college in Wale3 for the education of persons 
intended for the Ministry. She was the patroness of Occum whilst he remained 
iri England, and not only hospitably entertained him in her house but introduced 
him to the notice of several of the Nobility. She was, also, a generous con¬ 
tributor to Dr Wheelock’s Indian School. She died full of years and piety at her 
house in Spafields, London, on the 17th June 1791. There is a portrait of 
her prefixed to Life and Times of Selina Countess of Huntingdon” London. 
1844 2 v. 8vo in the State Lib. 


352 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


REV. MR. WHEELOCFS ADDRESS 

To the Sachems and Chiefs of the Mohawk, Oneida, 
Tuscarora, and other Nations and tribes of Indians. 
My Brethren and Friends 

I have had you upon my heart ever since I was a boy. I have 
pitied you on account of your wordly poverty, but much more 
on account of the perishing case your precious souls are in, with¬ 
out the knowledge of the only true God and Saviour of Sinners. 
I have prayed for you daily for more than thirty years, that a 
way might be opened to send the gospel among you, and you be 
made willing to receive it. And I hope God is now answering 
the prayers that have long been made for you, and that the time 
of his Mercy to your perishing nation is near at hand. 

Some years ago I educated M r Occum (who has been a little 
while with some *of you) with hopes that God would make him 
an instument of great good to my poor brethren the Indians. 
He labored a number of years with the Indians at Montauk ; 
and was a mean of much good to that tribe, and also an instru¬ 
ment of good to some in New England, and I hope did a little 
good to you in the short time he was with you. 

4fter I had educated M r Occum, and saw no other way to 
help the perishing Indians, there being no door open to send 
missionaries among them, I determined on setting up an Indian 
School to teach their Children, that when they had got their 
learning, they might return home, and in their own language 
teach their brothers, sisters and friends the way of Salvation by 
Jesus Christ. 

And accordingly I began this School more then ten years ago. 
I first took two boys of the Delewares, but one of them died 
when he was almost fit for College, the other went to College 
and when he was almost through, was overcome by strong drink, 
and by this he grieved my very heart. I hope he would have 
been good, and I hope yet that God will have mercy on him and 
make him good before he dies. 

I am now sending you eight of your sons, whom I have learned 
to read and write well. The ministers who have joined with 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


353 


me to he]p forward the great design of Christianizing the Indians, 
have examined them, and recommend two of them with Joseph 
Woolly , to be school masters, where they can find the Indians 
willing to have their children taught: the other six, though 
they can read and write well enough to teach a school, yet we 
think they are too young to be masters. We are afraid your 
children will not mind them ; and therefore have ordered them 
to teach your children, under the direction of the missionaries, 
till next fall; and then they are to return to this school to get 
more learning; and I hope some of them will be fit in time to 
preach Christ to you, if God shall please to give them good hearts. 

Now I assure you, my brethren, in what I have done, and am 
doing, I have no interest of my own in view ; but I have com¬ 
passion upon your precious souls, for whom Christ died, and 
which must be lost and miserable for ever unless you be made 
to know him, and the way of life by him, and so to partake of 
the great salvation, which he has purchased for us. 

Two ministers are coming to you from my schoo , who are 
sent to you by the commissioners, and they are men of learning, 
have had a liberal education, and are able to teach you the way 
of salvation by Christ. And they love you much; they do not 
come to get money, nor to get away your lands, nor to cheat or 
wrong you in any thing, but only to do you good. And you 
may depend upon it, I will never willingly send one to preach 
the gospel to you, who has any higher view than to save your 
souls. That is the errand these men come upon, and as such 
you must receive them, and treat them kindly. 

David Fowler , 1 who has been educated at my school, and is 

1 David Fowler was a Montauk Indian, entered the Indian School at Leba¬ 
non, about 1759. He early shewed an aptitude for agriculture, and it was Dr. 
Wheelock’s opinion that he would make a good farmer if he should ever have 
the advantage of experience. In June, 1761, he accompanied Sampson Occom 
to the Oneidas and returned in August with three Indian youths. He was 
approved as an Indian teacher in March, 1765, and set out accordingly for the 
Oneida Nation on the 29th of April. He shortly after wrote Dr. Wheelock the 
following letter from his new residence :— 

11 Kanavarohare, in Oneida, June 15,1765. 

11 Honored and Rev. Sir 

“ This is the twelfth day since I began my school ; and eight of my scholars 
are now in the third page of their spelling book. I never saw children exceed 

Vol. iv. 23 


354 


PAPERS RELATING TC 


one of the school masters before mentioned, I now send to keep 
school among you, to teach your children, if you will receive 
him. 

He is a rational, sprightly, active young man ; and I believe 
you will find him to be very honest and faithful. He comes 
only to do you good. His friends at Montauk have sent to me, 
earnestly desiring that he might come there and teach their 
children; but I have often heard that you desired greatly to be 
taught, and I hope he will do more good among you, and there¬ 
fore I send him to you. I hope you will be kind to him as one 
of your own people, and help him to live among you. I hope 
you will help him to get a house, and let him have some of your 
land to plant and sow; and he will, besides teaching your chil¬ 
dren, help and instruct you in managing husbandry ; which you 
must learn if you expect God will increase your number, and 
build you up, and make you his people. 

I hear that some of the Indians think it to be a mean thing, 
and below men to work in the field, that it belongs only to 
women. This thought is not right nor pleasing to God. 

The first work he sat man about, and that before he ever had 
sinned, when he was more honorable than any mere man has 
ever been since, was to till the ground to get his living by it. 

these in learning. The number of my scholars is twenty six, but it is difficult to 
keep them together j they are often roving about from place to place to get 
something to live upon. I am also teaching a singing school. They take great 
pleasure in learning to sing. We can already carry three parts of several tunes. 
I am well contented to live here, so long as I am in such great business. I 
believe I shall persuade the men in this castle, at least the most of them, to 
labour next, year. They begin now to see, that they could live better if they 
cultivated their lands, than they do now by hunting and fishing. 

“ I ask the continuance of your prayers, that God 'would give me grace, and 
fill my heart with love of God and compassion to perishing souls : and that God 
would make me an instrument of winning many souls to Christ, before I leave 
this world. 

“ Please to accept much love and respect, from your affectionate and unworthy 
pupil, 11 David Fowler.” 

The famine which visited western N. York this year obliged the Oneidas to 
remove in search of food to another quarter, and David Fowler returned to N. 
England for further aid. We have no means of following up the remainder of 
his career, but he is stated to have been alive in 1811 at Oneida, an industrious 
farmer and useful man.— Ed. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


355 


And after man had sinned, God told him he should get his 
living by the sweat of his face, and he has commanded us in the 
fourth commandment to work six days in the week. And often 
in his word testified his displeasure against those who will not 
work for a living. This earth is all God’s land, and he will 
have it all cultivated. So long as there are not people enough 
to inhabit the earth, God lets the wild beasts have it for their 
dwelling place ; and a few lazy savage people he suffers to live 
a hungry miserable life by hunting. But when the children of 
men grow numerous, and want the earth to cultivate for a 
living, the wild beasts must give place to them, and men must 
improve the land for God ; if they do not they are bad tenants 
and must be turned off as such. If you will not cultivate God’s 
land, you cannot expect that God will greatly multiply you. I 
speak this only for your good : I propose no advantage to 
myself nor to any other, but you and your posterity by it. 

When you improve your land', and provide a living for your¬ 
selves and families in that way, you will live much easier and 
better than you now do or can do by hunting. And when your 
game is gone, you will not have occasion to remove to another 
place, or to go a great way to catch wild creatures to live upon 
as Indians have been forced to do; but you will live as well 
without them as w r ith them, by the produce of your own farms. 
And then you will be under circumstances to have ministers 
and school masters settled among you ; and will be able to sup¬ 
port them according to the law T s of Christ, to teach you and 
your children the great things that concern your peace with 
God, and the eternal salvation of your precious souls ; and so 
you may soon become a learned and knowing people. And 
then you will be in no danger of being imposed upon and cheat¬ 
ed, as you have been by bad men, who care not wiiat becomes of 
Indians, if they can only get your lands, and cheat and wrong 
yon in other things. I pity you greatly on these accounts ; and 
I wish you w'ould mind what I say to you. I greatly desire you 
may become a great, and good, and very happy people. 

David Fowder can tell you how God has dealt with Indians in 
New r England, and how they now r begin to see their error, and 
amend their doings. 


356 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


I thank you for the kindness, which some of you have shewn 
to my dear M r Kirkland, whom I sent into your country last 
fall. His heart is bent to do good to the Indians. He denies 
himself all the pleasure and honors which he might have here 
among Ids friends, only to do you good. I hope you will con¬ 
tinue your kindness to him, and treat him as my child. I hope 
God will make him an instrument of great good to the Indians. 

I wish you all the happiness in this world and the world to 
come. I design by God’s help to do all the good I can to the 
poor miserable Indians as long as I live; and when you can 
pray to God for yourselves, then pray also for me. I hope I 
shall live in heaven with many of you, and that we shall rejoice 
together in beholding our glorified Redeemer forevermore. 
Amen. 

Eleazar Wheelock. 

Lebanon, April 29, 1765. 

-«©«- 

REVP M R WHEELOCK TO SIR W JOHNSON. 

Lebanon, 29 th April, 1765. 
Sir, May it please your Excellency, 

* The Bearer, David Fowler, has been for some Time in this 
School; and is a youth of good Abilities, whose activity & Pru¬ 
dence, Fortitude Honesty have much recommended him to 
me. He comes with Design if he meets with proper encourag- 
ment to settle down among the Oneyada’s (unless some other 
place more inviting presents) in the capacity of a School Master; 
and also (so far as that Business will allow) has a Design to set 
them an Example of Agriculture for his Support: and do what 
he can to recommend that manner of living to the Indians. 

And if he can be accomodated to his mind he has Thoughts 
as soon as he has prepared a Habitation &c to return and marry 
a very amiable Girl, whom I have been educating for the Pur¬ 
pose, and who will be a good Assistant in prosecuting the Design. 

And as the Life and Success of the whole, under God, very 
much depends upon your Excellency’s countenance; I have 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


357 


advised him to submitt the whole to your Direction and conduct, 
not doubting but, so far as the crowd of your Affairs will allow, 
you will favour him with sucli Instructions, and Recommenda¬ 
tion, as you shall think needful, or useful for him. 

If M r Kirtland’s Conduct, in Indian Affairs, has been agreable 
to you, and the Prospect of his usefulness be such as is worthy 
Encouragment, a Recommendation from vour Excellency would 
be of great service therein. 

I conclude you have seen in the public Prints, the Resolves 
of this Board of Corrispondents on the 12 th ult°, to send severel 
Missionaries, and School Masters into your country. But having 
no Fund, we have been seeking a meet Person to accompany M r 
Occom, or some other Indian from this school, to Europe to ask 
the Charity and Assistance of good people towards the support 
of the Plan we have laid. 

The Board of Corrispondents in N. Jersey, have been applied 
to for M r Brainerd, 1 but for several Reasons he cant be obtained. 
I have now wrote M r Charles J. Smith to undertake in that 
affair, but who will be the man is not yet determined. M r John 
Smith Merclp in Boston is going to England in May or June, 
who will be employed in the affair so far as may be consistant 
with his Business and Character, if no Clergyman can be obtain¬ 
ed for that purpose. And a Recommendation of the Affair to 
Gentlemen at Home, by your Excellency, may be of very great 
service to the Furtherance of it, and likely of much greater 
service to it than any other man’s, as your Connections are, and 
your Character now rising in the Kingdom. 

If Your Excellency will condesend to favour us and The 
Design in these Respects we shall esteem it to be a singular 
Favour. 

I have ordered David to make ready 8 or 10 likely Boys, such 
a.s you shall approve for this School, by that Time the rest of 
my Boys arive to you, by whom I shall send a Lad to accom 
pany hither those he thus prepares for me, unless Joseph 
Woolley’s coming with them sho d prevent me. • 

1 Rev. John Brainerd was brother to the celebrated David B. and like him 
an Indian Missionary. He’graduated in Yale in 1746. His labours were chiefly 
among the Indians of New Jersey. He died in 1780. 


358 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


And that Almighty God may support you under all your Toil 
& Labours for your King & Country, and late, very late, reward 
the same with himself is the Prayer of, 

May it please your Excellency 

Your Excellency’s most Obedient, 
and most Humble Servant 

Eleazar Wheelock. 

P. S.—Your Boys are all well excepting that little Elias 
received a bad blow with a Balls tick from one of his mates as 
they were playing together but he is in a way to be well soon. 

Sir William Johnson. 


REV D SAMUEL KIRTLAND TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Canesedage 1 17 June 1765. 
Sir. 

I arriv’d safe here 30 th May, after a very fatiguing Journey 
receg little or no assistance from my ungrateful Fellow Travel¬ 
lers. 

I’ve answer’d y e two belts by which they demanded Provis¬ 
ions for y e Women & Children, Trade &c they have made no 
return. I apprehend are a little guilty & asham’d of y e mean 
part they acted. The Sachem knew nothing of their sending yt 
large belt for Provisions &c. was surprised to hear of their 
unreasonable demands. The Sachem and several others do 
really appear friendly, in general they treat me with no more 
respect than they would shew to a dog—but this is equal to me. 
I believe a little more Provision than I’m like to get here, 
will be necessary for my subsistence this summer. The Indians 
from above living so much upon this Town since y e general 
meeting, has created a great scarcity of Provisions. I suppose 
• 

i For the site of this town also written Canadesagay, see Guy Johnson’s 
Indian Map in this vol. It is said that this was the original name of Geneva, 
Ontario Co., but in the Col. Johnson’s Map the Indian Castle is laid down 10 
miles west of the head of Seneca lake. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


359 


there is not 3 bushels of indian Corn in y e Castle, when I went 
from hence last spring they were well stored. Could I have 
a plenty of fresh venison & bears flesh, I would do without 
bread, y e staff of Life, but to have little of either & y e most of 
y l little rotten, I think may be call’d coarse fare. 

It was said in y e ancient puritanick times, y l man should not 
live by bread alone,—The Modern ages it seems have degene¬ 
rated, especially in these pafts, for we are like to be denied any 
bread at all. 

I design (god willing) to be down about twenty days from 
hence. I’ve wrote desiring Cap 1 Butler to make ready Provis¬ 
ion for me against my arrival, your Excellency approving y e 
same. I dont doubt but Rev d M r Wheelock would think it 
expedient, it will be to y® credit of y e Design, as well as my 
comfort & support. Tho’ success in my present undertaking be 
uncertain, I must make a trial of 3 or 4 years, y* I may answer 
with a clear Conscience before Almighty God. My obligations 
from without are considerable, but much greater from within. 
I submit it wholly to your Excellency, whose direction and 
advice I esteem infinitely preferable to my own; also for whose 
former undeserved kindness and condesention, I desire to renew 
most humble thanks. 

That Success & Prosperity may crown all your Excellency’s 
undertakings, is y e sincere wish of him.—who is with greatest 
esteem 

Your Excellencys 

most obedient & 

obliged humble servant 

S. Kirtland. 

His Excellency S r W in Johnson. 

P. S. I shall go down by water, with one or two Indians 
who have invited me to go with them for sake of learning y e 
Language. 

I have not, nor shall I acquaint them y* I have any thoughts 
of getting Provision up here. 


360 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


REV D M R WHEELOCK TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Lebanon 21 st Oct r 17C5. 

Sir, May it please your Excellency. 

The Bearer a Narraganset Indian with a number of that Tribe 
desire me to write you in their Favour. I am not acquainted 
with their Case only by common Fame and it has been often 
said that a number of that Tribe appear more spirited to culti¬ 
vate their Lands, and live by the Produce of them, than here¬ 
tofore they have been, but that they are like to be prevented 
therein by a drunken Sachem who has got in Debt, and is selling 
their Lands fast to the English, Your Excellency no doubt 
knows their Case much better than I do, and will be ready to 
prevent the Evil they fear if it be in your power. 

Sir. I am ordered by the Board of Corrispondents in the 
Colony of Connecticut to return your Excellency their grateful 
acknowledgment of your favourable recommendation of this 
Indian School &c. and for all the Expressions of your Favour 
and Friendship towards the Important Design of Inlarging & 
advancing the kingdom of the Redeemer among the Savages, 
and to Express their best Wishes for your temporal and eternal 
Felicity. We rely^upon y<tur Friendship, and would by no 
means justly merit the Contrary. 

I am obliged to write in utmost Hurry & Confusion or not 
embrace this Favourable opportunity of Conveyance which 
your Goodness will readily enough consider as an Excuse for 
what is so unfashionably offered by Hon d Sir. 

Your Excellency’s much obliged and 

most Obed* Humble Servant 
Eleazar Wiieelock. 

Sir Will m Johnson. 


SIR W. JOHNSON TO REV. THOMAS BARTON. 


Johnson Hall Nov r 7 th , 1765. 

Sir 

I have had the favor of yours, and I am much obliged to you 
for the trouble you have given yourself about the Electrical 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


361 


Aparatus &c and for your polite k friendly offers of Service of 
which I may now k then avail myself. 

The Interest I have in the Welfare of the Indians, k my 
sincere regard for their happiness has induced me at all times to 
give proper Introductions & Assistance to the Missionarys sent 
amongst them, and if my becoming a Member of the Society 
will increase my power to forward so good an undertaking I 
shall not hesitate to agree to M r Auchmutys kind proposal, to 
whose civility I am much obliged and must beg the favor of you 
to transmit him my hearty thanks for his intentions relative to 
me, assuring him that I can have no Objection to becoming a 
member of so Venerable a body. 

I shall be Extremely glad to hear of your Welfare or to serve 
whenever in my power as I am. 

The Rev d M r Barton 

***Revd Thomas Barton, was born in Ireland in 1730. lie was a graduate of 
Trinity Coll., Dublin. In 1754, the Society for the Prop, of the Gospel, erected 
a Mission for the counties of York and Cumberland, Pa , and appointed Mr. 
Barton to it, he having brought over with him, and laid before the Society a 
certificate from the Trustees and Professors of the Philadelphia Coll., that he 
had been more than two years employed as an assistant in that Institution, and 
discharged his duty to their full satisfaction, and therefore joined in recommend¬ 
ing him as a proper person for the Society’s service. This being a frontier 
settlement, its duties were particularly onerous. He had to ride 148 miles every 
six weeks do attend his three congregations, and often at the head of his people 
went to oppose the Savages when desolating the neighboring settlements. He 
served in 1758 as Chaplain in the expedition against Fort Duquesne, and thus 
became acquainted with Washington and other distinguished Officers. 

In 1770 he received the degree of A. M., from King’s Coll., New York. 
On the breaking out of the revolution he adhered to the Royal cause and 
was in consequence placed on the limits of his county, and afterwards 
confined to his house. He continued thus a prisoner two years, and at last 
found himself under the necessity of leaving his family and parish, after a 
service of 20 years, and withdrawing to New-York, where he arrived in Novem¬ 
ber, 1778. His long confinement to his house impaired his health, and brought 
on a dropsy, under which he languished until the 25th May, 1780, when he 
yielded to his fate at the age of 50 years. He left in Pennsylvania, a widow, and 
eight children by a former wife. The well known Prof. Barton, of the Univer¬ 
sity of Penn., was his son. Ed. 


362 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


CHURCHWARDENS OF SCHENECTADY TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Schonactady 20 th December 1765. 
Sir 

As the Congregation of the Church of England have come to 
a Resolution to petition his Excellency the Governor to grant 
them a Charter to Secure their Rights and privileges in the 
Church built here, they beg leave to lay their petition before 
you for your approbation, and likewise beseech you Sir to 
Honour them with an Acceptance of beeing one of the Trus¬ 
tees in the Charter if one can be Obtained, as we then can 
have no doubt if a Gentleman of your known Merit and Char- 
ecter will Espouse our Cause it will prevent for the future the 
presbyterians from makeing any unjust attemps on the privi- 
ledges in the Church we hope you will graciously, Honour us 
with an answer as soon as your Leisure will permit which will 
confere the most Gratefull Obligation on our Congregation, and 
in a perticular manner on your Honors Most 

Obedient humble servants 
J W Brown 
Matthew Lyne 
Richd Cullin 
Jonathn Ogden 


REVD SAMUEL KIRTLAND TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Sir. 

I wrote your Honour sometime past by Onuhsocktea & y e two 
white men from Niagara,. w ch I hope has come safe to hand.— 
We have no news of consequence stiring among us at present. 
Eve heard by some of y e Indians y l your Honour has had a very 
easy happy time thro’ the winter—No Visiters no Company 
excepting Cap Monteur, no Letters from abroad. Nothing to do 
but to set down & enjoy y e Comforts of Life. w ch news I tell 
them is too good to be true. I rather fear y e contrary. Ive 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


363 


lately spoke to the Indians here, something farther concerning 
my design &c. I have had an agreable encouraging answer—of 
w ch I shall acquaint your Honour by y e next opportunity having 
but a moment to write at present, & y e Bearer now waiting. I 
beg leave being desir’d to insert a short speech for Tekanondo, 
as he is my special friend & main suppurt here. I mention only 
y e Substance. 

u I return you many thanks for your friendly encouraging 
words last fall—they buried almost all my sorrow, & gave 
me as it were new life. I keep y m continually in my mind. 
I again return most hearty thanks for your Remembrance 
of me. I desire you wou’d consider y e present disposition 
& intention of my warriors to visit y e old Enemies y e 
Cherokee, you are well acquainted w th our ancient Customs & 
Traditions, y l y e late Breach in my family cant be fully made 
up in any other way. I know not w* your present stores are, 
nor how you are disposed towards these things. I ask only this 
yt you woud take it into consideration. You are doubtless 
sensible it is hard for me to see all my Notes pass me on this 
Business, & I being alone, perhaps shall set down & weep w th 
my miserable Condition. But if my Waireours go I’ll be con¬ 
tented to tarry your encouraging word & strict charge last fall 
shall support me & be continually in my mind. 

In much hast your Honours 

most obed 1 & ever hum e Serv 1 
S. Kirtland. 

Kaunaudasage Feby 18, 1766, if I dont mistake. 

I beg y e favour of an Almanack if your Honou r has a supply. 
I fear I shall forget y e Sabbaths & perhaps new moons, & become 
a Savage indeed. 

The Hon bl Sir W m Johnson. 


364 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


M R WEYMAN, PRINTER, TO SIR W M JOHNSON 

ON THE SUBJECT OF THE INDIAN PRAYER BOOK. 


New York, March 25, 17G6. 
Sir, 

The Indian Common Prayer Book stil lies dead ;—I should 
be glad to be informed hofr I am to proceed. I have been at 
much Expence for what is done, and assure myself of your 
consideration of y e Affair. I shall wait your Motion with Plea¬ 
sure ;—No doubt occurrences prevented its farther Progress 
with you. The Reverend M r Ogilvie, who is now Curate here, 
will no doubt undertake its Correction, if you doubt my Careful¬ 
ness from sticking close to a legible Copy; and, I think, Sir, he 
will readily assist on Application, which, if you please, I will 
undertake to address for, should you incline to continue its 
Publication. 


I am, Your Excellency’s obliged, and 

Obedient H ble Servant, 

W M \V EYMAN. 


THE MAYOR OF ALBANY TO THE REV. MR. WHEELOCK. 

May, 1766. 

Rev. Sir, 

We are favored with your letter of the 21 st , and with Mr. 
Smith’s of the 10 th of April last. The design of christianizing 
the Indians, and diffusing the light of the gospel to those unhap¬ 
py people, that have not yet partaken of that divine blessing, is 
so truly charitable, and favorable to humanity, that it deserves 
all the encouragement and attention,, that it has met with from 
our gracious sovereign, and those worthy benefactors, who so 
generally followed the royal example. 

We esteem ourselves peculiarly happy that an opportunity is 
offered us, to show how much we are inclined to promote a plan 
so universally countenanced, and so deservedly applauded. We 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


365 


have informed ourselves of the Rev. Mr. Kirkland, to whom 
you was pleased to refer us for particulars. The affair is of so 
much importance, that it claims our most serious and deliberate 
consideration, and the little time allowed from the speedy return 
of Mr. # does not permit us to send our proposals by 
him we shall however embrace the earliest opportunity to 
convey them to you, and we hope that when you get them, they 
will be such as will meet with your approbation, and merit 
the consideration of those worthy gentlemen in England, to 
whom this affair is referred. 

We beg leave to assure you, sir, of our particular regard for 
you ; we wish you much of the divine grace, and health to go 
on with this good work, of which (greatly to your honour be it 
spoken, and may it long be gratefully remembered) you have 
been the first promoter. 

We are, Rev, Sir, 

Your most humble servant 

Y. Dow, Mayor, &e. 


REV D M R WIIEELOCK TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Lebanon 4 th July 1766. 
Sir, 

I gratefully acknowledge the Receipt of Your Excell c > 8 Favour 
by David Fowler—I much regrett the loss of Goah , who, as 
David and others inform me, was a man of great Consequence, 
both with respect to their religious, and Secular Interest. 

And I am indeed much affected with the acco 1 (which you 
referr me to David for) of the occasions given to several Tribes 
to revive their old Prejudices, and renew their Hostilities against 
the English. May your Excellency experience that same 
Fountain of Wisdom which has hitherto guided you on such 
occasions, to be still sufficient for you, in this critical affair. 

My plan is much disconcerted hereby—The English youth 



366 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


who accompany this, viz. Johnson and McCluer, 1 are Members 
of Yale College, as well as of this School; and were design’d, if 
it might be, under Your Excellency’s Direction & Favour, to 
spend the ensuing Season, (with their Indian associates) in 
learning the Language of such Tribes, as they may Jikely serve, 
as Missionaries & School Masters, when they have compleated 
their Learning. The Disposal of them is now submitted to your 
Wisdom, and Prudence. M r Kirtland seems inclined to take 
McCluer to Onoyada with him; But whether the learning of 
that Language will be of such Consequence as that it will be 
worth his spending his Time for it, Your Excellency is best able 
to judge. 

I have thought it might be best for Joseph Johnson, who is a 
Mohegan, 2 and is too young to have the government of a school, 
to be employed, as an Usher under David Fowler, whose school, 
I understand, will likely be big enough tor two masters. 

Jacob 3 who is Brother to David, and tho’ but 16. years old, I 

1 David McClure, D. D., was a native of Brookfield, Mass. After spending 
some time under Mr. Kirtland, at Oneida, he graduated at Yale College in 1769, 
and then became a teacher in Dr. Wheelock’s school. In the summer of 1772 he 
set out to visit the Delaware Indians on the Muskingum river, west of the Ohio, 
a journal of which mission is published in Wheelock’s Nar. for 1773. On his 
return to Pittsburgh from this, what turned out to be a fruitless mission, he spent 
seven months among the scattered white settlements in Western Penn. In the 
summer of 1774, in company with Messrs. Dean and others, he visited the Canada 
Indians. During, and for some time after the revolution, he was minister of 
Northampton, N. H., and in 1786 removed to East Windsor, where he died June 
25, 1820, aged 71. His wife was the daughter of Dr. Pomeroy and niece of Dr. 
Wheelock, whose Memoirs he published in connexion with Dr. Parish in 1811 .-Ed. 

2 Joseph Johnson was born near Norwich about the year 1750. Ilis father 
served near Lake George in 1757. At the age of 15, Joseph became a school¬ 
master as above stated, and was so employed for two years. He fell off, how¬ 
ever, from this life of regularity afterwards, and went on a whaling voyage. 
Keturning in 1771, he fell sick at his native place, which circumstance had such 
an effect on him, that he became quite religious. He was afterwards licensed to 
preach among the Six Nations, and was very faithful to the American cause 
during the revolution. It is said that he was not inferior to Samson Occum as a 
Preacher. Allen. See also Wheelock’s Narrative, 1775. 

3 Jacob Fowler, a Montauk Indian was born in 1750. He was approved as a 
Teacher in 1765, and taught for several years after among the Six Nations and 
N. E. tribes. Things, however, did not go well with him, and in 1774, he re- 


THE SIX NATIONS. 367 

apprehend is endowed with Prudence & Discretion sufficient to 
conduct (and is well accomplished to instruct) a School. 

I would also propose to your Excellency Whether it will be 
best for Hezekiah [Calvin] to take the School which Joseph 
Woolley left at Onohoquagee, as I hear M r Brown determines to 
defeat his Design of settling at Fort Hunter. 

But I need not be particular as the Bearers are fully knowing 
to whatever I should otherwise have need to inform you of; in 
this affair. And also as the Rev d M‘ Pomeroy & my son, are 
appointed (and yesterday sat out via New-York) to wait upon 
you for your advice respecting the place to fix upon, and build 
for this School. They will also be able to acquaint you with 
the favourable Reception, Mess 18 Whittaker & Occum, & the 
Design they Recommend, meet with at Home ; and the Prospect 
I have of any Favour I can reasonably desire from the Board of 
Trade, if only the Place for the School was once determined, 
and as I would act in every step agreable to your mind, for I 
apprehend you are able above any man in this Land to serve the 
grand Design in view. What seems to be wanting at Home, at 
present, is only to know the place to fix it. And I purpose to 
mention several, with such Recommendations, Incouragements 
&c as shall be respectively given them, and leave it with Gentle¬ 
men at Home to determine which of the number it shall be. 

You will please to weigh the Arguments offerd by M r C. J. 
Smith to carry it into the Southern Governments, a rough Draft 
of which I have sent by my son. 

William (Major as we call him fbr distinction sake) is a very 
good Genius, and capable of making a very likely man; but 
his Pride and the Violence of his Temper have sometimes ren¬ 
dered him troublesome; and obliged me to use severity with 
him, of which my son can inform you perhaps a Line or Message 
from You might be of Special service to him. I ordered him 
to write a few lines (which I inclose) as a Specimen He com¬ 
plained, and you will see, not without Reason, that his Ink was 
bad. I am heartily sorry to add to the great weight of Care, & 

turned as a teacher to Dr. Wheelock’s School, where he prepared himself for 
holy orders, previous to moving into the Oneida country with Sampson Occum. 
Wheelock. 


368 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Crowd of Business you are continually in; and rely only upon 
your Goodness and the nature and importance of the things I 
write, for Pardon, for this Trouble. That God may restore 
your Health, Support you under all your Labours, and long 
lengthen out your important life, is the earnest Prayer of him 
who begs leave to subscribe, with most Sincere Duty and Esteem. 

Your Excellency’s 

Obedient and very Humble Servant 
Sir William Johnson Baron 4 . Eleazar Wheelock. 


REV. M R BROWN TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 


Sr 


Albany Sep 13 th 1766. 


I have the Honour of y rs of the 10 th Instant p r master Peter, 
wherein I find no particular Instructions in Regard to his school¬ 
ing, conclude therefore that you leave him to me on that Head. 
Depend on it I shall take the same care of him in every Respect 
as my own Child. I shall be prepared to meet his Excellency 
y r self & the rest of the Fraternity on the earliest notice. My 
Discourse to my Indian Children shall be short, but how sweet I 
must leave to y r better Judgment. I shall obey y r other com¬ 
mands by inviting four or five the most decent of our Brethren 
to meet his Excellency on that Solemn occasion. 

I remain S r with the utmost Respect 

y r most obliged Hum Serv* 


S r W ra Johnson. 


T. Brown. 


REV D M R CHAMBERLAIN TO THE REV. M R BROWN. 

Onowadagegh Oct. 10 A. D. 1766. 

Rev d Sir 

Though my being a Stranger to you might free me from many 
offices which might be expected from a youth bound to you by 




THE SIX NATIONS. 


369 


many acts ot your kindness yet I cant neglect writing to you on 
a late occurrence without violating the Bonds of simple Human¬ 
ity which bind equally the most remote Acquaintance and the 
most intimate Friends. A Report has been lately handed about 
here that you Rev d Sir at the late Meeting at Johnson Hall 
christend serveral children in the Presence of his Honour the 
Governor the honourable Sir W ,n Johnson many other Gentle¬ 
men and a Number of Indians of several Tribes who had been 
before christened by Missionaries of the presbyterian order. I 
acknowledge Rev d Sir that the Fact mention’d in their Report is 
too notoriously conterary to the Practices of Christians of every 
Denomination to gain Credit amongst any but Indians and the 
most ignorant and crudilous Part of the white People, confident 
therefore that this Report is intirely Groundless I have thought 
it imprudent to apply to any Gentleman to have it refuted but 
to yourself who will I doubt not readily give so full and ample 
Refutations of it from Under your own Hand that I may for the 
Futer be able to put to shame all who would thereby asperse 
your character or bring into Contempt and Neglect amongst 
these ignorant Heathen the whole Christian system. It w T as my 
advice from several presbiterian Ministers and from all whom T 
convers d with on the subject that twas best as much as possible 
to keep from the minds of the Indians every Notion of any 
Difference or Distinction amongst prodestant Christians. To this 
I have always been despos d and have therefore been ever ready 
to stand by a silent Spectator and Auditor of w r hat ever any 
Gentleman of the standing chufch clilergey have desired to act 
or speak in any of the Places where my commission under the 
hon ble Scots Society has impowered- me to officiate. The Pru¬ 
dence of this Measure the Advantage it gives to the common 
cause of Christianety and its utility to the Nation so far as we 
consider the natinal Interest as connected with the scheme 
ehristinising the Heathen in these Parts must appear to every 
considerate Person upon the least Reflection but if the foremen- 
tiond Report obtains we are obviously under a Necessity either 
to leave the Indians intirely or else to give a satisfactory Reason 
for such a* Piece of unheard of Conduct. The first of these Sir 
you may readily suppose we shall not do before we see the 
Vol. iv. *24 


370 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Indians all suppli d with Ministers of some Prodistant Persuation 
who will reside amungst them to instruct currect and persuade 
them and to set them Examples of such Christian conduct as I 
trust all Christians would rejoice to see prevail amongst mankind 
and to expect this from the church clargey who are so scarce in 
these Parts is childish unless then you will amply refute the 
Report of your having rebaptisd Children we are necessatated 
to give a Reason for such Bisbaptisms and this we cannot do 
without entering into a Distinction which we desire never to 
mention here and which would to God there had never been 
occasion for. You may depend upon it Sir that I am disposd 
to treat every man in a Christian Manner who act like a Chris¬ 
tian and to use them with all that Deference and Respect which 
either their Age or Carracter or any Distinction can claim from 
me and shall therefore be entirely silent about the above Report 
till I see whether an Answer to my Request is to be expected from 
you and after that shall endeaver to act in a Manner most con- 
sistant with the same Principals. The affair has given some 
uneasiness both to Rev d M r Kirtland and myself and in Case you 
think this unworthy an Answer we shall doubtless apply to 
ssome Gentleman who was present and will freely give us that 
satisfaction which I at present hope to obtain from you and by 
which shall be able to satisfy M r Kirtland and to put a stop to a 
Rumor so abusive and uncommon. In hopes of this I rest for 
the Present and beg Leave to subscribe myself 
Rev d & Worthy Sir 

Your Humble Servant 

Theophilus Chamberlain. 


To Rev d M r Brown. 


%* Theophilus Chamberlain was ordained at Lebanon, on 24 April, 1765, 
and set out on the 19th June following for the country of the Six Nations. He 
established several schools among the Mohawks, visited the Oneydas, made a 
tour among the Onondagas, and preached to them. He returned to Lebanon in 
October, accompanied, by two Oneida youths to be placed under Dr. Wheelock’s 
charge. He returned again the following year to the Mohawk country, as appears 
by the above, and a subsequent letter.— Ed 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


371 


CHURCHWARDENS OF SCHENECTADY TO SIRW M JOHNSON, 


Schenectady Dec r 4 th 1766. 


Hon 11 Sii ' 

After rendring you our sincere thanks for the tender regard 
you expressed for our Church, in your favour to the Rev d M r 
Auchmuthy, we would acquaint you that Mr. Lyne—when in 
New York waited on his Excellency to know the result of our 
petition, and we have the pleasure of hearing that it was laid 
before the Council where it met with a favourable reception, 
agreeable to which the Charter will shortly be sent up with his 
Excellencies subscription money and Church furniture. Mr 
Lyne has also procured a Clerk to officiate in the Church, who 
we are persuaded will answer the Character given him by several 
Gentlemen of Credit in New York. We conclude with craving 
a continuance of your protection of our Church and its Liberties, 
and subscribe ourselves 

Hon d Sir 

Your most Ob 4 & Hum: Servants 
J W Drown 
Richd Cullen 
Stephen Dudley. 
Charles Dogal 
Matthew Lyne. 


REY D M R CHAMBERLAIN TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Conajohare 29 th Dec br 1766 

May it please your Honour 

I but lately received your Honours Letter of the 8 th instant, 
am sorry tho have been the occasion of so much Trouble to your 
Honour whose Indulgence and Condescention I have so often 
experienced, and stand corrected with Pleasure. 

I am surprised that the Rev d Brown should suspect that by 
privatly informing him of what he was said to have done I 



372 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


intended to intimate the misconduct of those in whose Presence 
it was said he did it. I never doubted may it please your Hon r 
but that his Exelency the Govenor had a Right to ask and 
obtain M r Browns assistance in Conferring his Name upon 
whome he pleasd and this without transgressing the strictest 
Rules of Christianity, and was far from thinking that his Exe¬ 
lency or any Gentleman in the Civil Government w r ould inter¬ 
pose his authority with a clergyman to oblige him to rebaptize 
Children because they were first baptized by ministers of another 
Denomination. Nor was I may it please your Hon r suspicious 
that the Gentlemen of the establishd Church Clergy gave them¬ 
selves or others too much Trouble to bring into Disrepute other 
religious Persuasions. I treated this Report or at least aimd to 
like what was false and only wrote M r Brown for his authority to 
say it was false. I gave a greater Latitude to some Expressions 
than I should otherwise that M r Brown might give me a direct 
answer which would stop the mouths of those who can see 
nothing significant in arguing what men will do from their 
Character—but never once supposed the Rev d Gentleman would 
make so great an alfair of it as to have me answerd as lie has in 
a manner which gives me the greatest Pain. I mentiond the 
Presence of his Exelency the Govenor, the Hon ble Sir William 
Johnson and other Gentlemen and the Indians with no other 
view than to give the Report the airs with which I several Times 
heard it told not suspecting that the Letter would be proposed to 
any one as what was designed to fault the conduct of my Rulers, 
for to this I dont give myself a License in any case but especially 
should not with your Honour to whom I am so much indebted 
must therefore may it please your Honour beg the continuance 
of your Honours favours to be without which w r ill be itself a 
mark of ungratfull and will soon render me intirrely useless. 
In hopes to obtain this I conclud and beg Leave to subscribe 
myself 

May it Please your Honour 

your Hon IS most obediant humble servant 
Theophlus Chamberlain. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


373 


REV. MR. BROWN TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

S* 

The Bearers hereof are going up the Mohawk River to try to 
collect money to finish off a Church at Great-Barrington, where 
they have suffer’d every Hardship from the Presbaterian Party; 
And designing to call at y* House I have taken the Liberty of 
requesting y advice. They .beg of me to return with them to 
Barrington for a Sunday, but as my Duty call’s me to the 
Mohawks cannot think of going without your consent. A Line 
from you will Determine the Case. I hope you will not let y r 
Fondness for master Peter keep him too long from his Studies as 
a misapplication of his Time will make him forget what he has 
learnt. 1 am S r with Respect 

y r most obedient Servant 
T: Brown. 

Albany Jan 30 th 1767. 

If I do not go to Barrington a number of Brother’s propose 
paying you a Visit on Saturday. 

To Hon ble S r W m Johnson. 


REVD. MR. HANNA TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Schenectady May 29 l h. 1767. 

Honorable Sir, 

The many Favours I have‘received at your Hand, lay 
me under Indispensible Obligations to acknowledge your Gene¬ 
rosity ; & acquaint you that as it is not in my Power to return 
them in this Life : You are therefore to look for your Reward . 
where the most of Good Benifectors have done before you, viz in 
Heaven ; But can assure you, that I bear a sincere & grateful. 
Sense of your Kinnesses in my Breast & shall never forget them 
while I am mindful of myself: particularly your last Letter to 
the Governor in my Favour which was of Singular Service 
to me. 

Sir, Since my Return from your House, I have attended close 
atM r . Silvesters Office, to acquaint myself with the Formalities 



374 


PAPERS RELATING TO 

& proceedings of the Court, have got my Licence, & qualified last 
Tuesday, am come to Schenectady, with a Design to settle : & 
should be glad to have it in my Power to serve you or any of 
your Friends, all from 

Honorable Sir 

your most hum le . & obe d . serv*. 

William Hanna 1 


MR. JOHN ARBO, SECY TO THE MORAVIANS TO SIR 
WM JOHNSON. 


Bethlehem the 6 th Januar. 1768. 
Sir 

The high and important Station in which the Providence 
of GOD and our Gracious Sovereign have placed You, together 
with Your well known benevolent Disposition towards the 
Indians in general, occasions my Addressing Your Excellency at 
this Time. 


1 Rev. William Hanna, the first Presbyterian clergyman at Albany, was 
educated at the Revd. Dr. Finley's Academy at Nottingham in Maryland; ho 
next was assistant at Rev. Dr. Robert Smith's School at Pequea, Pennsylvania, 
and graduated at Princetown College. In 1759 he received the degree of A. B 
from Kings College, New York, and that of Master of Arts, in 1765, from the 
game institution. He was licensed to preach by the Litchfield Presbytery, 
Connecticut, 28 May, 1760. He became pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
organised for the first time in Albany in 1762, of which congregation he continued 
pastor for the space of about five years. But “ having taken a civil commission 
from the governor,” and “ as it was not customary for any member of the 
church to which he belonged to bear a civil office,” the congregation requested his 
Dismission, which followed accordingly. It seems that he next moved to 
Schenectady, after having studied law with Mr. Silvester of Albany, and was 
admitted to practice, as appears above, in May 1767. But his success at the bar 
\?as npt commensurate with his expectations, and in 1771 he expressed a desire to 
be admitted to orders in the Church of England. The clergy of New York, for 
reasons to be found in Dr. Auchmuty’s letter (post) of the 11th June 1771, 
thought it would not do for them to recommend him for ordination, but sug¬ 
gested his application to Lord Baltimore. He thereupon proceeded to Maryland, 
and having been furnished with letters to Col. Washington and other leading gen- 
tlemen of Virginia, he went next to the latter Colony. His reception, here, was 
so favorable that he, forthwith, sailed for England, where the Bishop of London 
conferred orders on him, 14 Juno 1772 .—Ed. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


375 


I presume Your Excellency cannot be unacquainted with the 
Missions and Labours of the Brethren, begun and hitherto 
subsisting for upwards of Twenty five Years amongst the North¬ 
ern Indians, and that their Zeal, in bringing many of them to the 
Knowledge of GOD our Saviour Jesus Christ, has been crown’d 
with great Success. True it is, the Troubles and Calamities 
attending the late Indian War, in which the Missionaries and 
their Converts met with such a Variety of Distress, Vicissitudes 
and Interruption in their Labours, as even threatened their total 
Extirpation ; Yet it has nevertheless pleased the Almighty GOD 
in his great Goodness, after very many of them had departed 
this Life in Faith and Love to Jesus Christ, still to preserve 
a Remnant of them, who now live together in brotherly Love 
at Wiealusing on the Susquehannah possessing the same Mind 
with Us to lead a peaceable and quiet Life in all Godliness & 
Honesty under the British Government. 

This Infant Indian Settlement, which we now have the 
Pleasure of seeing in a prosperous Situation, We beg Leave to 
recommend with our Missionaries, to Your Excellency’s Kind 
Notice and Projection. 

In this View I have the Pleasure of transmitting to Your 
Excellency the Greenland History in 2 Vol s . wrote by David 
Cranz one of our Brethren ; which we beg Your kind Acceptance 
of. The first Vol: Containing a Description of the Country and 
the natural Curiosities of that cold Climate, I flatter myself, may 
not prove Unentertaining and the second, I imagine will convey 
to Your Excellency the truest and best Idea of the Brethrens 
Method of propagating the Gospel amongst the Savage Nations. 

For this Purpose also this History has been presented to their 
Majesties the King and Queen, the Ministers of State, Bishops 
& Board of Trade &c. &c. 

In Behalf of the Members of the Brethren’s Society for the 
Furtherance of the Gospel amongst the Heathen I have the 
Honour to subscribe myself 

Your Excellency’s 

most obed* Humble Servant 

John Areo, Secretary. 


376 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


SEC. OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROP. THE GOSPEL TO SIR 
m JOHNSON. 

Sir, 

It is a great satisfaction to the society to be informed, that 
you perfectly approve their resolutions, with regard to Indian 
Missionaries, & Catechists, & are very desirous of seeing some 
part of the scheme carried immediately into execution. This is 
a point we have constantly kept our attention upon ; and are 
truly sorry that we have not yet been able to engage any proper 
person to undertake that employment. We had good hope that 
some of the more approved & experienced among the Clergy in 
your parts, who from their knowledge of the Indians, & their 
acquaintance in the neighbourhood, & especially from that coun¬ 
tenance which you would naturally give them, might become 
likely to have the best Success, would not have been unwilling 
to have taken this appointment; especially when they had some 
kind of assurance that a larger salary than usual w r ould have 
been allowed on such an occasion D r Auchmuty tells me, that 
he has done every thing in his pow r er to forward our Scheme, 
but without success. “ Perhaps, says he because the Clergy do 
“ not care to leave a certainty for an uncertainty.” We there¬ 
fore desire you to inform us, what you think would be a proper 
allowance to otfer to a Miss r y for this department: The Society 
are ready to concur to the utmost extent of their abilities to 
carry on so beneficial a design ; tho’ indeed their income is far 
too scanty of itself alone & without some good assistance to 
forward it in the manner they wish. I have the honor to be 
with the most perfect esteem & respect 

Your most Obed* humble Servant 

D. Burton. 1 

Abingdon Street Westminster Feb r ? l 8t 1768. 

1 Rev. Daniel Burton, D. D., chancellor of the diocese of Oxford and Rector 
of St. Peter’s Poor, London, was for many years Secretary to Dr. Seeker, Archb. 
of Canterbury, to whose will he was also executor. He was raised to the dignity 
of Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, on 24th June, 1760, and in 1761 succeeded 
Dr. Bearcroft as Secretary to the Society for propagating the gospel, which office 
he held until 1773, when he, in his turn, was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Richard 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


377 


CORPORATION OF ALBANY TO THE REY. MR. WHEEIOCK. 

Albany, March 21 st 1768. 

Reverend Sir, 

Since the Letter which the Mayor did Please to write you, 
our annul Election for the Aldermen and Assistants to serve in 
this Corporation having taken place and some other adventitious 
Circumstances Intervening have Concurred to delay our answer 
* to your favour of the 27 th August last, these being now happily 
removed we Embrace this oppertunity to answer your Letter 
It gives us much pleasure to find that you think our proposals 
in several respects Inviteing and Generous; 1 you will do justice 
to our Sentiments, if you also believe that we wish to have it in 
our Power to do more and if we would chearfully Give every 
assistance that the projector and Patrons of this Scheme have a 
right to require from every Person Impressed (as we are) with 
its utility and Philanthropy, your declining to fix on any parti¬ 
cular place for the School without the Previous knowledge and 
approbation of Lord Dartmouth and the other worthy Persons 
that have countenanced the plan and promoted Its success at 
home by procuring such Considerable donations for its Estab¬ 
lishment gives us at once a Strikeing Instance of your modesty, 
and a high Idiea of your Prudence in paying such strict atten¬ 
tion to avoid Every step that might tend to Prejudice this Insti¬ 
tution—Which in its progress may do honor to the age In which 
it has taken rise and reflect lustre on you as the first Promoter, 
Permitt us to thank you Sir, for having transmitted home Copys 
of our Letters and of those that were Written you on this subject 
from New York the Gentlemen that did us the honor to write 

Hind. Harriot Burton, his only daughter, married (Aug. 15, 1773,) the Hon. 
John, afterwards Lord, Trevor, Minister plenipotentiary to the diet at Ratisbon, 
in 1780, and to the court of Sardinia in 1783. This nobleman dying (1824) without 
issue, the title is now extinct. Dr. Burton died on the 23d April, 1775. He 
had the character of a very pious, sensible, diligent, careful and disinterested 
man.— Ed. n 


1 The Corporation had offered to give two thousand three hundred pounds to 
Dr. Wheelock, on condition that he would remove his Institution from Lebanon 
to Albany.—E d. 


378 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


them are all of distinguished Characters Emminent for Cherish¬ 
ing and Cultivating the Social Virtues their Circumstances and 
situation in life such as sets them above the suspicion of sinister 
or selfish views, and the many oppertunitys they have had of be¬ 
ing acquainted with our moral Character from the Frequent Inter¬ 
course with us Which their profession Necessarly engages them 
in Constitutes them very Computent Judges of it can it then be 
reasonable to suppose that Gentlemen of such as they are, should 
so far forget the duty they owe to themselves and to society as 
warmly to recommend the fixing of a Seminary (In which it will 
be necessary to Incultivate virtue and morallity as much If not 
more by example than Precept) In the midst of a People of a 
reputed Immoral Character such a supposition would be alto¬ 
gether absurd and we should think ourselves Justifyed in resting 
on their Recommendation only as a sufficient vindication of our 
Character against the uncharitable and unjust anamadversions 
of designing men but duty and the Justice we owe to our Consti¬ 
tuents obliges us to declare that the Present Majestracey of this 
Place in pursuit of the principals laid down by their predesses- 
sors make it the first object of their attention to Inspire their 
Constituents with the Loue of Virtue and the abhorrence of vice 
to this end they discourage whatever may tend to Corrupt the 
manners or debauch the morals of the people whilst at the same 
time Encouragement is given to every Plan Cultivated for their 
happiness actuated by these principals we readily embraced 
yours and rejoiced in the fair Prospect that such an Establish¬ 
ment amongst us Promised additional oppertunitys of advance- 
ing the Education of our youth all what we ardently wish and 
therefore what we Could Give we offered with the utmost Good 
will, if our Good Intentions already are or should be prustrated 
by the selfish views of designing persons we shall be Equally 
sorry on our own account as on theirs whom they deceive Have- 
ing been already explicet in our former letters on the advantages 
that the school would reap by being in the vicinity of the City 
we shall be silent on that head and make only remark to obviate 
the difficulty you mention on account of a supposed want of 
opportunitys to instruct the Indian Children In Agriculture 
and the Manuel Arts that the Immediate Environs of this City 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


379 


are Inhabited by farmers whom if we may be allowed to Judge 
of their skill Industry and Occonomy from the affluence of their 
Circumstances acquired only by Husbandry, we shall not hesi¬ 
tate to rank them in the first class of husbandmen and as these 
Children will not require to be taught any other manual arts 
then such as will serve towards procureing the immediate neces- 
sarys and more Simple Conveniencies of life these too may both 
be obtained in this City. We could have wished that your son 
and the Reverend M r Pomory had Communicated to us the 
Intention of their Journey when they were here at the time you 
mention they would have had no reason to Complain of any 
Coldness in us nor indeed can we be Charged with any as we do 
not know that those Gentlemen were ever here otherwise then 
by your Letter. 

We thank you Sir for those sentiments of good will that you 
Express to Entertain for us we hope you will have no occasion 
to Change them and we should be happy to have you in this 
Neighberhood that you might experience repeated Instances of 
our^s towards you. 

We have read your published account of the School since its 
beginning it has confirmed our opinion that your whole Conduct 
has been with a view to Promote religion and the happiness of 
mankind may God In whose holy worship you are attempting to 
instruct the uninformed Savages Crown all your endeavors with 
success and Give you to see the accomplishment of your Good 
work and when it shall Please him as the supreame disposer of 
all things may you depart hence in his peace 

We are Reverend Sir &c 


REY. MR. WIIEELOCK TO TIIE CORPORATION OF ALBANY. 

Lebanon 8 th April 1768. 

W: pful and hon d Sirs 

Yours of March 9 th Came Safe to hand two days, ago, in which 
I observe and gratefully acknowledge the unmerited expressions 
of your benevolence and respects towards me and your truely 




380 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


generous dispositions towards this rising Institution. I am sorry 
that my unguarded manner of expressing myself in a former 
letter respecting the objection so often made against fixing my 
school in the vicinity of your City (viz the bad morals of the 
place) was received in any other light than was simply and 
honestly intended : my design was only to advice you, that such 
an objection had been frequently and strongly urged ; and to 
Give you an opportunity to obviate the same’s being further im¬ 
proved to the disadvantage of the design proposed I had not the 
least intention or disposition to reflect upon your City, or so 
much as express my own sentiments respecting that matter; 
however the earless and ungaurded manner of my expression, 
naturally lead you to conceive, that which was very different 
from that entire friendship which wolly Governed me in that 
matter, and which was so far from my intention that I never had 
a tho’t or the least jealousy of my being so understood, till I 
was informed of it by my Son, and since more fully by M r Smith 
of New York, However I hope that matter is now set right, and 
that you will Candidly ascribe it to that Crow’d of affairs, which 
obliges me relying upon the goodness of those to whom I write, 
often to dismiss even Letters of importance, without such a 
review as I should otherwise think expedient. 

I shall take the earliest opportunity to transmit your letters, to 
the Earl of Dartmouth &c, and also Cap n Lansing’s generous 
proposal at Stoneroby 

It gives me sensible pleasure Gentlemen that your sentiments 
are the same with mine as to the expediency and propriety of 
proceeding, only with the advice and approbation of the Earl of 
Dartmouth, and the other Worthy Gentlemen of the Trust at 
home respecting the Place to fix this School. 

I am informed that some overtures are making to invite the 
settlement of this school in the Province of New Hampshire 
near Coos. 

And by a letter from home, I understand, that Gen 1 Lyman is 
using his endeavours to have it carried into his Government on 
the Ohio, 

I have also lately heard that a new plan is forming to detain 
it in this Government—what these proposals will ripen to, I 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


381 


cannot say, and how Gentlemen at home will have light to satisfie 
them, or what expedient they will think proper to obtain light 
sufficient to act understanding^ and safely in determining the 
important point, I cant tell, I desire to do all on my part to be 
done, and submit it to and wait upon the Great Governor and 
disposer of all events to direct and determine the same accord¬ 
ing to his own holy and righteous will, 

You may assure yourselves that the testimonials you have 
given me of your friendship are not the least among the many 
circumstances which would render the prospect of such a situa¬ 
tion agreeable to me; as I am with much esteem & respect 

Gentlemen 
your most obedient 
and very humble Servant 
Eleazor Wheelock. 

The W: pful the Mayor & Ald n ? 
of y e City of Albany \ 


READ MR. BARTON TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Worthy Sir, 

I suppose, before now, William has again seen his Native Soil, 
& delivered you my last Letter—I had such Expectations from 
this Lad, that I am sorry I could not prevail upon him to stay 
& prosecute his Studies a little longer; but he got so uneasy at 
the violent Proceedings in these Parts, that he apprehended 
himself in Danger indeed no Wonder !—Some People here are 
grown so insolent and daring, that many even of the Inhabitants 
themselves seem to dread the Consequences—The Spirit of 
Violence & Outrage flames not only here, but throughout several 
of the Colonies, and bends its Fury at present against the 
Bishops & the Church of England :—where it will end, God only 
knows. 

Ever since the Murder of the Canestogo Indians, their Plan¬ 
tation, called Indian Town of Canestogo , has lain open to waste, 
& to the Use, or rather Abuse of every bold Intruder—I lately 



382 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


made some Enquiry about the Indian Deeds relating to this 
town, which I once saw in the Hands of some Persons , who 
were suspected to be concerned in the Assassination of those 
hapless Wretches, & had the Pleasure to be informed that they 
had been collected by Cap 1 M c Kee, & by him transmitted to 
you. 

Now I humbly request the Favour of you to permit me to 
take this Plantation under my Care, and to sow one of the clear 
Fields untill it is claimed by, & wanted for the Use of the proper 
Owners—I ask this Favour because the Land is convenient to 
me (being only seven miles from Lancaster,) and as I live in a town, 
where I have no Land of my own near, & where Grain of every 
kind is sold at a most extravagant Price—I am likewise encouraged 
to make this Application as I am u r ell assured that my Care of 
the Plantation, in preventing future v r aste & keeping off Intru¬ 
ders, will fully compensate for any Benefits I may reap 
from a little Crop; And I promise to resign it in good Repair 
wdienever demanded by you or the Indians—If you should 
think proper then to favour my humble Boon, be pleased to 
appoint me a kind of Agent or Overseer to take Care of this 
Place by a Certificate, or in any other manner which you shall 
deem better—I trust you will pardon, Worthy Sir, this Sollici- 
tation—The Admission with which you have honoured me to 
your Favour & Friendship, leaves no Room to doubt but you 
will kindly indulge me the Freedom of this Address, & always 
allow me the satisfaction of declaring myself 

Your most obedient, obliged and 

Affectionate humble servant 
Tho Barton. 

The Hon b,e Sir William Johnson, Baronet. 

P. S. As it might give some Offence to the Proprietary Agents 
that this Application u r as not made to them, I would beg to 
receive the Favour I ask, as if from yourself , w r ho thought it 
necessary that this Plantation should be put under the Care and 
Protection of some Person who lived near it—May I hope for 
an Answer as soon as your Avocations will allow you to hear 
me.—Vive diu salvus & sospes! 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


383 


This will be delivered to you by M r Clench, a Man of Pro¬ 
perty who resided many years in Reputation in this County, but 
now moves with his Family to the Mohawk River. 

Endorsed “supposed in May 1768” 


MR. JW. BROWN TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Schonactady, 5 th of August 1768 

Hon d Sir 

Our Congregation begs to know wether there is any reason to 
Expect M r Murray 1 soon here, if not if your Honour approves 
of it, we would give him an Invitation to come here, that if this 
place is agreeable to him and he to us. we will then Subscribe 
yearly as much as lies in our power for him, tho’ I really think 
it will not exceed <£40 this Currency but however if M r Murray 
comes and you think him a person that [is] likely to promote 
Religion among us, we make no doubt but you will Sir : by 
recommending another Mission, to be added to this, or by some 
other means, make the terms agreeable to him we are now the 
more Anxiously Solicitious on this Head, as the Presbyterians 
are busee to get M r Bay 2 among them I shall not make any 
appology for troubling your Honour with this Letter as it would 
betray a diffidence in your friendship for our Church which we 
have had too many Proofs, to admit a doubt of 
I am with the utmost Respect 
Sir. your Honour most Obedient 
Hum ble Servant 

J W : Brown 

To the Honorable Sir William Johnson Bar 1 

1 Revd Alexander Murray, Episcopal minister of Reading Pa. from 1763,4 
to the breaking out of the Revolution, when all the Episcopal Churches in Penn¬ 
sylvania were closed. He withdrew to England, in 1778. Ed. 

2 Rev. Andrew Bay was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to Maryland 
where he married a Miss Hall. He belonged originally to the Newcastle Pres¬ 
bytery. He succeeded Mr. Hanna as Presbyterian Minister in Albany which 
charge he filled for the space of five years, or until about the date of the above 
letter. He next moved to Newtown, L. I. His name first appears as a member 
of the N. York Presbytery in 1774 by which body he was dismissed June 20th 



384 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


HUGH GAINE TO SIR WM. JOHNSON 

ON THE INDIAN PRAYER BOOK. 


Sir 

In searching Mr. Weyman’s Papers after his Decease, a 
Number of the Sheets of the Indian Common Prayer that you 
employed him to print off, came to Hand, but in a very imper¬ 
fect State: He had got as far as the 74th Page which completes 
only 9 sheets ; but as Part of several of the sheets are not to be 
found, the exact Number of each is as follows, viz 

A - - 280 sheets D - - 417 G-400 

B - - 436 E - - 413 H-390 

C - - 460 F - - 413 I-406 

I have got all the Copy but what is in the Hands of the 
Revd. Mr. Ogilvie, who is very willing to assist in getting the 
Work completed, in Case you think proper to have the same 
carried on. 

I am informed Mr. W T eyman had Money advanced him on 
account of the Common-Prayer ; I hope, if tis so, the Work he 
has done may make compensation, as there is nothing left to 
pay the many Hundreds he owes, and me among the other 
Creditors the Sum of <£300. 

I am ignorant on what Conditions Mr. Weyman undertook 
this Job j however if he has made any Bargain and you are 


1775. In the records of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in May 1776, 
is the following minute :— 

“ The Synod renewed the consideration of Mr. Bay's appeal, and after mature 
deliberation, confirmed that part of the Presbytery’s judgment which dissolves 
the union between Mr. Bay and his congregation; and with respect to the latter 
part of said judgment, the Synod are of opinion, that it would have been proper 
to have recommended to the parties, to leave the settlement of all matters re¬ 
specting the glebe and its appurtenances, to arbitrators mutually chosen ; and they 
further advise that if any disagreement should hereafter arise between Mr. Bay 
and the congregation of Newtown , respecting said glebe and appurtenances, that 
they decide them in the same way.” ( Prime's Hist, of L. I. 304.) After quit- 
ing Newtown, Mr B. is supposed to have proceeded to Charleston, S. C. where 
his son, Elisha Hall Bay, was subsequently Judge. All his descendants reside In 
the South, except a daughter who married a British officer and settled in Nova 
Scotia. The Rev. Mr. Bay was Grand uncle of Dr. Bay, of Albany. Ed. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


385 


willing I should compleat the work, I am satisfied to abide 
by his. 

I do suppose the Number he intended to print must have 
been 500 ; if so, and that Number must be completed, the 
whole must be done over again $ but if 400 would suffice, that 
Quantity could be compleated by only reprinting the Letters 
A & H. 

As this Matter entirely depends on you, whatever Orders you 
may think proper to transmit me, with regard to the same, shall 
be strictly observed by, Sir 

Your very humble Servant 

H. Gaine. 

New-York 

Aug. 26, 1708. 

%* Hugh Gaine was an Irishman, and served liis time to James Magee, 
printer, of Belfast. We learn from Thomas, that he came to New York in 1745, 
and worked as journeyman to Parker. His wages at first were a dollar and a 
quarter a week; he afterwards was allowed a trifle for hoard. To his credit 
it is stated, that even under these discouraging circumstances his economy and 
frugality were such that he saved money, and with the assistance of a friend 
imported a press and types, with which he opened a printing establishment about 
the year 1750, to which he added a Bookstore, in Hanover Square. In 1752, he 
commenced the publication of the New York Mercury. Having printed in his 
paper of Nov. 12, 1753, a part of the proceedings of the Assembly, he was brought 
to the bar of the House and reprimanded. He printed the Journals of the As¬ 
sembly from 1G91 to 1765, 2 v. fol., and in January 1768 succeeded Weyman as 
public printer. Sir Wm. Johnson, for whom he printed the Book of Common 
Prayer in the Mohawk Tongue, patronized him, and in the collection of that 
Baronet’s Mss. in the State Library, are a number of Game’s letters, giving Sir 
William the earliest intelligence, and most of the current gossip of the day. He 
found it very difficult to navigate through the tempest of the Revolution. At 
first he removed his office and business to Newark, N. J. He, however, return¬ 
ed to New York, and resided in that city throughout its occqpancy by the British. 
His Mercury was discontinued at the peace, after an existence of about 31 years. 
He obtained permission from the State Legislature to remain in the city after its 
restoration to the Americans. After which he confined himself to book printing 
He was punctual in his dealings, of correct morals, and respectable as a citizen 
He began life as a poor man, but by close application to business amassed a for 
tune. He died April 25, 1807, aged 81 years.— Ed. 



Vol. IV. 


25 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


‘ 386 


SIR. W. JOHNSON TO HUGH GAINE. 


Johnson hall Sept r 8th 1768. 
Sir 

I have Just received your Letter concerning the Indian prayer 
book,which was put into the late M r Weymans hands, The Mul¬ 
tiplicity of business prevented my Writing to him About it for 
some time past, Tho’1 heartily wish it was Completed. I can¬ 
not recollect whether M r Weyman was Advanced any thing on 
Accot but believe not by me. Neither do I remember what were 
the conditions of our Agreement tho’ to the best of my remem¬ 
brance there w 7 as Something proposed in that way, but that so 
usefull a Work might not be Longer delayed, I should be glad 
you would inform me what would be the Expence of re-printing 
the Letters A. k H. so as to Complete 400 Copys (which I think 
may be sufficient) in a Good Legible Character k on Suitable 
Paper, if your Charge will Answer My purpose I shall then de¬ 
sire you to Compleat the Work, and shall by the favor of M r 
Ogilvies Assistance which I make no doubt he will chearfully 
give on such an Occasion. 

Please to send an answer to Sir 
I w r as to have ab l 20 Books Your mostrhumble Servant 

neatly bound & Gilt. 

M r Hugh Gaine. 


HUGH GAINE TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 

i 

New-York, Sept 17, 1768. 
Sir 

Your Favour of the 8th Instant I this Day received, and 
since my last to you have found a Memorandum among M r 
Weyman’s Papers, in the following Words; 

“In this Size [which is marked on a Sheet of Paper,] it will 
make 20 Sheets in 4to, which on account of the Difficulty of the 
Tongue or Language, cannot be done for less that 36s per Sheet, 
and Sir William must pay for the Paper besides, which will be 




THE SIX NATIONS. 


387 


from 12s to 18s per Ream, and each Ream will scarcely make 
150, the whole therefore will amount to <£36: 0: 0 for printing 
only: The binding also must be paid by Sir William.” 

By the above agreement the reprinting the Letters A and H, 
will amount to no more than £3: 12: 0, and the Paper I think 
not more than 4s. 

I am very glad M r Weyman has had no money advanced him 
on account of this Work, as what he has done will serve to pay 
some Part of his Debts. 

With regard to the Binding, I do suppose they will cost about 
Is 6d each, and the 20 you want gilt, and I suppose in red 
Morocco, will come very high; however the whole shall be well 
executed, and on as easy Terms as possible, by Sir 

Your humble Servant 

H. Gaine. 

To Sir W m Johnson, Bart. 


MR. J. W. BROWN TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Schonactady Oct 19 th 1768. 

IIon d Sir 

I Received your Interesting Letter, which I immediately Com¬ 
municated the contents which regards the Church to the Vestry 
which made us all very happy, but as we want words to Express 
our gratefull Sentiments to you as we ought we must be silent 
we shall instantly sett about finishing the Church, tho I fear it 
will be too late in the season to Plaister the walls. According 
to order I have sent 1 Barrell of Rusk Branded on the Head E B 
which I hope is come safe to hand and am with the most grate- 
full Respect Hon d Sir 

Your most Obliged Hum bl Servant 
J W Brown. 1 

To Sir William Johnston Barneh 

1 We learn from Mr. L. H. Willard of Union College, that John W. Brown 
was born in the year 1727; he came to this country from London and settled in 
Sehcncctady in 1748. He married a Miss Wemple, and left one son and two 



388 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


MEMORIAL OF REVD. MR. WHEELOCK. 

To Their Excellencies Sir William Johnson Baronet 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs in North America, 
Sir Henry Moore Esquire Governor of the Province 
of New York, Benjamin Franklin Esquire Governor 
of the Province of New Jersey and John Penn 
Esquire Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania, now 
convened at Fort Stanwix. 

The Memorial of Eleazer Wheelock of Lebanon in the Colony 
of Connecticut, Founder and Director of the Indian Charity 
School in said Colony, humbly sheweth. 

That said School was founded with a single view to promote 
the knowledge of the only true God, and our common Salvation, 
especially among the Savages of this Land ; thereby to deliver 
them from their present miseries, make them good Members of 
Society, loyal Subjects to our rightful Sovereign, and especially 
cordial subjects to the King of Zion, and the Plan has since 
been well approved, and the School generously endowed by the 
Liberalities of his present Majesty King George the third, and 
by many Noblemen and Gentlemen in Europe, as well as by 
many charitably disposed People in America.—and much Labour 
and cost have been already expended to fit and qualify a number 
both English and Indians for Missionaries and School-Masters 
among their several Tribes who are now or will soon be ready 
to enter upon their respective services, if suitable doors should 

daughters. After having passed evenly through the troubles of the revolution, in 
which he manifested very little interest, and arriving at an advanced age, he laid 
down to rest in 1814. The following is a copy of the inscription on a slab in St. 
George’s Church, Schenectady:— 

Memory of JOHN W. BROWN ~ 

Who departed this life, 

June 30 th 1814; aged 87 years. 

A native of GREAT BRITAIN 
Came to Schenectady 1748; 

Where he remained untill his death; 

The founder and steady friend of tins 
CHURCH. 







THE SIX NATIONS. 


889 

be opened for their improvement therein. Some attempts have 
also been already made among the Onoidas, and not without 
some encouraging Prospect that their Lives and Manners may 
be soon formed to rules of decency, civility and religion.—Some 
endeavors have also been used by your Memorialists the last 
spring to introduce Missionaries and School-Masters among the 
Onondagas and Tuscaroras, which proposal they appeared to 
approve ; but suspended their full determination to comply with 
it; till they could have the concurrence of their Brethren of 
other Tribes therein. 

And your Memorialist, being now informed that all the 
Nations are summoned to meet upon the present public occasion, 
has judged it seasonable to improve the same for the purposes 
aforesaid, and especially as he hopes he may have the advan¬ 
tage of your countenance and Influence, therein; which he 
doubts not your compassion towards those miserable Creatures 
will constrain you cheerfully to afford to the utmost of your 
power if you shall think the Plan well devised to attain the 
end proposed. And he has therefore sent the Rev d Ebenezer 
Cleaveland 1 and M r Allen Mather^on purpose to solicit your 
favour and assistance in this matter, by recommending to them 
the design of sending Missionaries and School-Masters among 
their several Tribes ; or by any other ways or means, which 
your great wisdom and prudence shall dictate—relying on your 
Candour and the Nature of the Cause to excuse the freedom and 
boldness herein assumed by him, who is with highest Esteem 
and Respect, 

May it please your Excellencies, 

Your most obedient and 
most humble servant 

Eleazer Wheelock 

Dated at Lebanon 
October 16 th A. D. 1768 

1 Rev. Ebenezer Cleaveland was born at Canterbury, Conn., in the year 
1726. lie studied at Tale College. While at home, during a vacation in 1744. 
he attended a dissenting meeting for which he was brought to an account on hia 
return. He pleaded that he was, -with his parents, a member of the church. 
This excuse would not be received and he was expelled. This extreme proceeding 
called forth mubh public indignation. He received his degree in 1749, and died 
minister of Gloucester, July 4th, 1805, aged 79 years— Allen. 


390 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


'CAVEAT OF TWQN. E. MISSIONARIES. 

AGAINST HIS MAJESTY’S ORDERS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

To the Hon ble Sir William Johnson Superin 1 of the 
Six Nations &c 

Your Excellency having receiv’d a Letter lately from the 
Rev d D r E. Wheelockas also seen his Instructions for propegate- 
ing the Gospel among the Ii^d ns &c. Pursuant wherunto These 
are humbly to desire & importune your Excellency, That in as 
much as your Excellency hath been pleased more publicly, & 
privately to manifest an approbation, & goodliking to the D ls 
plan, and laudable design of propegateing the glorious Gospel 
among the Ind» s , under your Excellencies Superintendency : so 
your Excellency would please Still to countenance, & encourage 
the truely noble design. And in order to prosecute the same to 
effect, that your Excellency (as a tender Father to these perish¬ 
ing Indians) would be pleased, of your most generous & benevo¬ 
lent disposition, so to befriend their cause, as to prevent their 
setting themselves off from their Lands ; therby to frusterate the 
afors d design of propegateing the Gospel among them, which 
undoubtedly will be the Sad consequence of their so doing, that 
this effect may not hap’en, your Excellency is humbly desir’d to 
restrict the Bounds of the respective Provinces, that they may 
not be extended So far North & west, as to cut off the Lands & 
Inheritances of the Natives : but that they possess & enjoy them 
for their own private Temporal use; and that more Sacred 
benefit of propegateing the knowlege of the great Saviour of the 
world among them , that so, by the Grace of God, they may 
have a further opportunity of a more general offer of the Gospel 
to them. And for this end, that your Excellency would be 
pleased to recommend, out of your clemency, and goodness, the 
above design of propegateing the Gospel among them, To the 
Heads & Chiefs of the Nations that may be present at this 
Congress And finally, that we may have an opportunity, by 
order of your Excellency, to lay the same before the Heads & 
chiefs that may be here. And in so doing, your Excellency will 
not onely gain further just esteem, and deserved thanks of all that 
wish well to this most Christian design ; but the blessing of 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


391 


many ready to perish will come upon your Excellency in this 
present world, and in the world to come, thro’ y e Grace of God, 
life everlasting which is the unfeigned desire, & constant Prayer 
of your Excellencys most obliged 
Hum ble Servants 

Jacob Ws. Johnson 
David Avery 

Dated Fort Stanwix ' / 

October 17 th 17G8 


missionaries 


*** Rev. David Avery, after his return from Fort Stanwix, graduated at 
Vale College and went in 1771 to preach to the Indians on Long Island. He w^s 
ordained at Hanover 29th August 1771 as assistant to the Revd Mr. Kirtland at 
Oneida whither he immediately proceeded. After spending a year there he was 
obliged to abandon the Mission, in consequence of the Indians in that quarter 
being entirely disinclined to receive a second Missionary or school Master. This 
cause added to his ill health, discouraged Mr. Avery so much that he returned 
to Dartmouth. 


REVD MR JOHNSON TO SIR W. JOHNSON. 


Sir 

May it please your Excellency To informe the Indian Chiefs 
here present that the Reasons why I was not present at the First 
opening of the Congress. Was partly oweing to my being 
unwell that day and partly by misinformation of the Time when 
upon my hearing of the Condolence &c I mucli regretted my 
absence and especially since I have heard some ill improvement 
has been already made of it by Monsir Mountour which may 
possibly yea probably prejudice the minds of the Indians against 
me & even the Protestant Religion which Sir is very affecting & 
grievious to me & sundry others who have reminded me of it 
with concern—your Excellency will therefore please to let my 
Fathers & Brethren of the Indians know I Heartily Sympathize 
with them & am greatly grievd & concernd that there should be 
any impressions made on their minds of a contrary tendency 
Let them know I am a most sure & fast Friend to them and 



392 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


especially their Souls Salvation who am may it please your 
Excellency Your excellencies Hum e Servh 

Jacob Ws. Johnson 

(Endorsed) Parson Johnson’s letter 


POSITION OF REV. MR. JOHNSON DEFINED. 

To Sir William Johnson, Governer Franklin, The Rev d 
Mr Peters, the Chief Justice Smyth, Coll. Johnson 
and the other Respectable Gen tn of this Table. 
Health k prosperity to you all. 

In as much as I am a minister of Christ, & my Work princi¬ 
pally to preach the Gospel to the lower rank of people: I have 
not used my self much to the company, k converse of Gent n of 
the Civil k Military order especially in the pleasure and prac¬ 
tice of drinking Healths, Loyal Toasts &c wherfore I may 
easily offend in this respect, with no ill meaning—And in as 
much as in drinking the Kings health yesterday, I used such 
terms, as to offend Col Johnson Mr Chief Justice, k it may be 
some others, In saying I drink the King of New r Eng d Health, 
the Health of the King, that hears our Prayers, &c I do hereby 
honestly, and before him that knoweth all things, protest, I had 
no other meaning then, or now, but what is express’d or imply’d 
in these words—I drink the Health of King George iii. of Great 
Britain kc —comprehending New Eng d k all the British Colo¬ 
nies & provinces in North America. And I mean to drink such 
a Health to his British Majesty, when occasion serves, so long 
as his Royal Majesty shall govern his JBritish, k American sub¬ 
jects according to Magna Cliarta, or the great charter of English 
Liberties, and hears the prayers of his American Subjects, when 
properly laid before Him—But in case his Bitish Majesty (which 
God in great mercy prevent) should superseed k proceed con¬ 
trary to charter rights k privileges, & Govern us with a Rod of 
Iron, & the mouth of Canons and, make his Little Finger thicker 
than his Fathers loyns, and utterly refuse to hear or consider 
our Humble prayers; then, & in that case I should think it my 



TIIE SIX NATIONS. 


393 


indispensable Duty to seek a retreat else where: or joyn with 
my Countrymen in Forming a New Empire in Ameriea, distinct 
from, & independent of the British Empire: agreeable to a pro¬ 
jected, & predicted Plan in a late essay* which in Substance 
agrees with my mind in these things & if lam not mistaken, with 
every true son of Liberty. 

Your Excellencies most Obed 1 

Humle servt 
Jacob W S. Johnson. 

Fort Stanwix octob, 20 1768. 

* a late essay Intitled the Power & Gendure of Great Britain, 
Founded on the Liberties of the Colonies &c. 


REV. MR. JOHNSON TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

May it please Your Excelency 

It is with some apprehension of Concern I write—I am sen¬ 
sible of the great propriety of Your Excellencys forbidding the 
Ind n9 intoxicating Spirits (at this Time)—and besides the other 
Ind n in gen 11 , It may be observ’d the Seneca’s who have been a 
great while in coming—come arm’d—while we at the Fort & round 
about are naked—& defenceless—They have also (it is s d ) their 
itomish Priests among them: who hold it meritorious to kill 
Here ticks (as they call us) And our sins and provocations may 
incense Heaven to let them lose at unawares upon us; if the 
utmost care, & precaution be not taken—which your Excellency 
in his superior Wisdom will doubtless well consider—& give 
orders accordingly. As the Scituation of affairs wear a most 
threatning aspect (at this juncture) so I can’t but think it a time 
to be serious, if there be any such Time: And in this Spirit I 
write to your Excellency. If my apprehensions are groundless, 
I shou’d be glad, & ask your Excellencies forgiveness—who am 
with all due Respect your Excelly, 

obed 1 Hum le Servt 

Fort Stanwix octob* 22 1768. Jacob W s Johnson. 

P. S. As I am aseer, I may be knowing to some things—Your 
Excellency possibly may not—which occasions me thus to 
write— 



394 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


REY. MR JOHNSON TO THE COMMISSIONERS. 

To Sir W m Johnson Governour Franklin Col Grahom Co] Butler 
and other Respectable Gent n Intrested & concerned at their 
Congress 

Hon le k Respectable 

As I am here in behalfe of D r Wheelock in the cause of Prope- 
gateing the Gospel among the Indians of these Nations I must 
be Faithful To let you know that whereas the D r Especially & 
some others with him have laid out much Labor & cost with a 
view to spread the Gospel among the Indians we are extremely 
loath to see the cause dye under our hands and a fund at Home 
of above <£12000 Sterling that was raised by Noble generous k 
charatable benefactors and additions therunto in this country be 
lost Or diverted from the design of the Doners which we Imagin 
must be in whole or in great part if the Indians k especially 
these Onoida’s yield up their Lands We therfore ask that a 
Door may be kept open to them where the Gospel has been 
preached and Schools set up that we may know where to find 
them k not have to ramble all over the world after them or 
Find them vassals on other mens Land And as we propose to 
propegate the Gospel in the most open Christian & catholick 
manner imaginable we are quite unwilling to be circumvented 
in any way whatsoever being assured our Design is good what¬ 
ever our success may be And . therfore pray you most Hon lc 
Gent n duely & deeply to consider & weigh the Cause not for 
man but for God to whom you k I must soon give an account 
I am ready to confer with any of you Gen ,n k others who would 
know farther of these things or would make any Proposals about 
them which I have thus in gen 11 hinted at 

who am with all due Respect yours 

Jacob W s Johnson. 


Fort Stamvix octob .30 1768. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


395 


SPEECH OF KEY. M R JOHNSON 

INTENDED TO BE DELIVERED TO THE SIX CONFEDERATE NATIONS AT 
FORT STANWIX, 31 ST OCTOBER, 1768. 

Know Ye That Whereas The Rev d D r Eleazer Wheelock of 
Lebanon in the Colony of Connecticut in New England Minister 
of Jesus Christ is about to Set up a College or Great School for 
the benefit of the Indians which generous & good design is 
favourd by your Royal Father the King of Great Britain The 
Earl of Dartmouth together with many wise as well as great & 
good men And a place is now Searching out whearon to set up 
s d College and many great offers made in Lands & Monies wher- 
witli to endow s d College in several of the neighbouring English 
Goverments but no place resolv’d upon as yet to set up s u 
College.— 

These are therfore to ask of you Fathers & Brethren if it be 
your minds and what you would choose to appropriate & devote 
a certain tract of your Land or country for this great & good 
purpose on or near The Mohawk River or wherever you in your 
Wisdom may think most convenient of such extent and worth 
as may be sufficient with what monies & other Benefactions & 
Charities may be given to endow s d College That it may be of a 
most Public & extensive use & benefit to the several Nation of 
Indians And this proposal is made with no view to acquire your 
Lands for any private use of any person or persons no Fathers 
& Brethren we dont want your Lands for ourselves but for this 
most public use & benefit to the Indian Nations if it shall be 
your Desire to have it set upon your Country rather than on 
the English ground and upon a Representation made herof to 
the Hon le & Respectable Board of Trust in Great Britain They 
shall think it more expedient & better upon all views & conside¬ 
rations to set it in your Country rather than on the English 
Ground 

Your answer to the above Proposal is Desird By Jacob W 8 
Johnson Minister of Christ & Missionary to the Onoida Indians 
& others. 


396 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


HUGH GAINE TO SIR WM JOHNSON, 

CONCERNING THE INDIAN PRAYER BOOK. 

Sir 

Your favour of the 12th ultimo from Fort Stanwix, is now 
before, which I should have answered much Sooner, had I not 
well known you were deeply ingaged in Business of greater 
consequence to your Country, and I rejoice to hear you have so 
happily succeeded in the same. 

I expect to have the Prayer Book finished by Christmas, but 
as it will make several sheets more than was at first imagined, I 
am confident the Binders will expect 2s. instead of Is 6 for the 
plain Ones Please to let me know how' many you’ll want in 
Morroco Leather. I heard the Revd M r Ogilsby say, he should 
have Occasion for a few neatly bound. 

With Regard to the Price of the Printing I will only say this, 
that when the Bargain M r Weyman made, is completed, the 
Printer will have but very little for his Trouble, and that there 
would be a much greater Benefitt resulting from English at 
half the Price. However I want no more than what is reason¬ 
able which I am very certain you will allow r me. 

The Difference to me in an Impression of a 1000 or 400, with 
Regard to the Labour, would not have been <£5 and should have 
been no more to you than that of the Paper, but now that is too 
late to be thought of. 

1 have sent to Boston for a set of Hutchinson’s History of 
Massachusetts-Bay, and there is not a gilt 4to Bible in this City 
to be sold, but I shall endeavor to get you one by the Spring, if 
I should run it by way of Falmouth, as w r e have all agreed not to 
send for any Goods this Winter. I am 

your Very humble Servant 

Hugh Gaine. 

New-York Nov. ? 

19, 1768. $ 

P. S. If any of the Common Prayers are to be sent to Lon¬ 
don, if they are sent in sheets in my Opinion it may do, as they 
can be bound there to satisfaction. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


397 


SIR W. JOHNSON TO GENL GAGE 

TOUCHING THE INTRIGUES OF THE N. E. MISSIONARIES AT THE 
TREATY AT FORT STANYVIX. 

Johnson hall, Nov r 24 th 1768. 

Hear Sir, 

I have now the pleasure to enclose you a Copy of the 
Indian Heed of Cession to his Majesty specifying the Boundary 
as also Extracts of the most material parts of the Transactions 
at the late Treaty. The Indians insisted on their Title to the 
Lands as far as the Cherokee River, which they Cede to the 
King and I was contented to admit it in the Heed & Transac¬ 
tions, notwithstanding any pretended Claim of the Cherokees, 
because it puts an End to the Claim of the Northern Indians, 
and leaves it only to be settled by the Cherokees sho d the latter 
appear to have any Colour of a title thereto, Tho I am Confident 
they have no pretensions to Lands North of that River or beyond 
certain Mountains which I heard both the Cherokees and 6 
Nations many years ago declare to be the true boundary between 
them. The Indians Yvere for Continuing the Line from Canada 
Creek in a manner which wo d have been judged very disadvan¬ 
tageous to this Province and therefore ive agreed to stop at the 
Mouth of Canada till his Majestys pleasure wo d be known, when, 
as it is an affair in which only Two Nations are concerned I 
apprehend I can settle it reasonably and perhaps on much more 
advantageous terms. 

It will be impossible for you to Judge in the least of my 
Trouble and the difficulties I had to overcome from the Extracts 
I have sent or indeed from a Copy of the whole, lor the most 
Material Points are settled at private Congresses with the Chiefs 
of well no minutes can be taken, and these I was engaged in 
Night k Hay, for as we came to Argue the Continuation of the 
Boundary Northward from Fort Pitt, we had sev 1 disputes k 
the difficulties encreased in proportion as we went to the North¬ 
ward and Caine near the Settlements of the Six Nations or their 
depend 18 and to add to all tins Two N. England Missionaries 
came up the one of whom was strongly recommended to me by 


398 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


D r Wheelock of Connecticut and did all in their power to 
prevent the Oneidas (whose property part of the Susquehannah 
&c is) from agreeing to any Line that might be deemed Reason¬ 
able They had even the face in opposition to his Majestys 
Commands & the desire of the Colonies to Memorial me Praying 
that the Ind s might not be allowed to give up far to the North 
or West but to reserve it for the purposes of Religion,—and 
publickly declared to sev 1 Gentlemen there, that they had taken 
infinite pains with the Ind 8 to obstruct the Line & would Con¬ 
tinue to do so. The New Englanders have had Missionaries for 
sometime amongst the Oneidas & Oghquagaes and I was not 
ignorant that their old pretensions to the Susquehanna Lands, 
was their Real, tho’ Religion was their assumed object, but 
knowing that any steps I could take with these Missions 8 would 
from the Ind s conceptions be deemed violent I treated them 
with silent contempt, Tho I think you should know these 
Circumstances, & the Government & public in Gen 1 should see 
in what manner their favors & Indulgences are made use of by 
these Gentry of which I co d give many Instances being possessed 
of their secret instructions & many other very extraordinary 
papers. 

The Reservations the Ind 3 have made and every thing else 
necessary will I hope be confirmed & secured by Colony Laws, I 
have only at this time to add my Wishes that the Transactions at 
the late Treaty may be agreeable to you, & to assure you that I 
am with the greatest Truth & Regard. 

Dear Sir &c 

My last Letters were of the 18 th & 20 th of this month. 


DIL SHUCKBURGII TO SIR WM. JOHNSON, 

TOUCHING THE INDIAN PRAYER-BOOK, v 

N. York 28 Nov r 17C8. 
Sir 

As I had often visited M r Gaine ab* the Ind" Prayer Books I 
was wth him this Day, he says all that he has to do w^ them 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


399 


will be finishd in a few Days then will send them to the 
Cinders so that in less than a fortnight you may have some of 
them up. I have made bold to tell him not to let any go out of 
his hands till you have the whole that you want, for he spoke as 
it' M r Ogilive would Expect some to send to his friends in Eng¬ 
land. M r Gaine desir’d me to inform you that those that you 
woud have bound in Moroco Leather had better be sent in Sheet 
to England & bound there as ’twill be difficult to get that sort 
of Leather, Expensive, & the work not so neatly done as in 
England. y r Letter to Lord Hillsborough I gave to M* Adams 
as I understood he had Liberty of sending y r Dispatches by a 
private Ship if none of y e kings Pacquets were here: there is a 
new Pacquet for y e kings us Comanded by Cap' Goodridge 
advertis’d this Day to go in December. Gen 1 Gage not yet 
returnd tis said he is by the Way on the Land Richards is arriv’d 
in ten Weeks no material news can I gather from home or here. 

I am wth due Respect to you & family 

y r most oblig’d & very hble Serv 1 
R d Shuckburgh 


MR. BROWN TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Schonactady'December 6 th 17Gb. 
Sir 

On the receipt of your Letter you hon d me with dated 24 th 
October, we immediately wrote to M r Murrey but have not yet 
rec d an answer we could not go on at that time with Ceiling the 
Church as there was hot one Plaisterer in Town, so concluded 
to stay till the Spring when Maulfet as Promised to do it, we 
shall give M r Sutton the offer of the Joiner s work as any recom¬ 
mendation from your Hon r Ought and shall always be an agree¬ 
able command with us. but the way M r Davies and he proposes 
will Vastly exceed what we can pretend too, it gave me real 
concern that M r Peters had left this place before we knew it 
which was owing to M r Clinch forgetfulness as he promised to 
acquaint me with his arival here as we intended to have return’d 



400 


PATERS RELATING TO 


him our gratefull tlianks. I have talked with Collins very plain 
about the money which he collected for the use of the Church 
at Fort Stanwix but he declares it is not more than twenty nine 
Shillings but if so he surely ought to have Acquainted youi 
7 honour there with 

I am with the Most Dutifull respect 

Sir your Most Humbl Servant 

J W. Brown. 

To the Honorable Sir William Johnson. 

--Oh- 

SIR WM. JOHNSON TO GENL GAGE. 

Johnson hall Dec r 10th 1768. 

Dear Sir 

I wrote you yesterday by Major Gorham, This Letter is ad¬ 
dressed to you at the intreaty of the Bearer M r Adair, 1 who I 
am informed was for many years a Trader of first consequence 
amongst the Cherokees &c. I believe his present Circumstances 
are very indifferent but he conceives he has a prospect of some 
advantage in view from the Publication of a manuscript lie has 
wrote on the Manners, Customs & History of the Southern 
Indians, tending to prove their descent from the Hebrews, 
which performance shews him a man well acquainted with the 
Languages, and very Curious in his Remarks, His design is to 
go for England and (if he may be allowed) to take some Chick- 
saws with him, & as none of that Nation were ever there he 
conceives it would be for the public advantage to Shew them 
the greatness and power of the English. 

I apprehend that your Patronage in whatever shape you may 
please to Countenance his design, is his principal object. If he 
is worthy of it in any degree my recommendation is needless— 
His appearance may not be much in his favor and his volumi¬ 
nous Work may rather be deemed Curious than entertaining, 
but he is certainly well acquainted with the Southern Indians, 

1 James Adair, author of the History of American Indians, London 4to, 
1775. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


401 


and a man of Learning tho Rusticated by 30 years residence in 
a Wild Country—He thinks that I could serve him by mention¬ 
ing him to you, and I hope that his importunity in consequence 
of that opinion will apologize for the Liberty I have taken in 
Giving you this Trouble. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REVD. WM. SMITH. 


Johnson Hall Jany 3 d 1769. 

Sir 

The return of M r M c Clay affords me a good opportunity of 
answering your favor of last month on the subjects you mention 
on some of which M r Peters & I have conversed, and to whom 
I have wrote fully the other day as well concerning M Murray, 
as of the Two Young men you mention for Orders your Senti¬ 
ments on which I greatly approve. 

I long since informed the Society that if his Majestys permis¬ 
sion was obt d I w f ould use my Interest to get a valuable Tract 
of Land for the Church but have never since received any thing 
concerned it, I however lately secured a purchase made by 
myself for these purposes, & if the Society will use their Interest 
to obtain the Royal Grant, I will still endeavor to get a large 
purchase to the Northward wffiere the Line is not yet Closed.. 

M r . Barton and yourself may be well assured of my friendly 
regards, and of my inclination to do you any good office in my 
power, I am likewise Sensible of your care of my Son, and your 
good inclinations towards him, and wish I could obtain the Tract 
you require in a Convenient place. The Line as I before 
observed is not closed to the Northward so that Lands there must 
lye till his Majestys pleasure is known, and for the rest it is 
Ceded to the King by the late Treaty, so that it is hard to 
know what will be the Channell for Patents in future, and the 
fees here are Extremely high—at the late Treaty nothing was 
done with regard to Lands but what related to the boundary, or 
had been before determined on, should any Tract answer that 
may be had on a reasonable lay, worthy your attention, I shall 

Vol. iv. 26 



402 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


be very Glad to serve you in it. I am much obliged by the 
honor done me in Choosing me a Member of the Philosophical 
Society, and altho’ my Necessary Avocations must deprive me of 
much of the pleasure I might otherwise receive as one of that 
Body. I cannot but accept it with many thanks, heartily wish¬ 
ing that their Institution may be attended with that Utility to 
the public k Reputation to the founders which may be reason¬ 
ably expected from the Transact 113 of Gentlemen who apply 
themselves to studies of such Importance. 

Be assured, Sir, of the perfect Esteem with 
which I am always. &c. 

%* Rev Dr. Smith to whom the above letter is addressed, was a native of Scot¬ 
land and graduated at Aberdeen in 1717. He then immigrated to this country, and 
on being invited to take charge of the College in Philadelphia, returned to Eng¬ 
land and received orders in the church of England in December 1753. In May 
following he was placed at the head of the Philadelphia institution. He revisited 
England in 1759 when^the degree of D.D. was conferred on him by the University 
of Oxford. After a life of much usefulness he died in Philadelphia, A.D. 1803, 
aged 76 years. His works in 2 v. 8vo. are in the State Library. Ed. 


JOSEPH CHEW ESQ. TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

New London Jan r y 24 th 1769 

Dear Sir 

Nothing could make me so happy as to hear of your health, 
indeed I am Extremely impatient for this as I have not heard 
anything from the Hall since I left Albany. 

I was at New Haven last week where the General Assembly 
of this Colony were setting and heard Col° Dyer make his appli¬ 
cation to them for a Deed of the susquehanna Lands—in doing 
this he was pleased to say somethings that I knew were not true 
and informed several of the House of it k Could I have stayed 
untill he Came out should have told him so—I have since heard 
the Assembly did not Choose to give any Deed—One Keeny who 
says he has been a Missionary or Preacher, with the Indians has 
told many of them here that you have ordered all the dissenters 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


403 


out of the Indian Country and will suffer none but Church men 
to preach to or have any thing to say to them—Numbers of the 
Saints have applyed to me I informed them that I heard the 
Seneca and Onondaga Sachems say none of them should Come 
amongst them untill the Oneida’s grew better & Reformed their 
manners. 

Some Gentlemen that may be depended on who I have seen 
within these few days from Boston Report that the People there 
who were such Hero’s in August & Sept, last are now under the 
most terrible apprehensions for fear of being Called to Great 
Britain by virtue of a Lord Chief Justices Warrant—for Call¬ 
ing & meeting at a Famous Convention and other matters of the 
same Nature—Some Letters from London Mention that Lord 
George Sack vile is talk’t of to succeed M r Barnard I have sent 
you with the Boston papers one Published in this Town which I 
think a very curious one indeed I can’t help being of opinion 
that the Resolutions of this Parliment will put a stop to many 
things of this sort. 

I have wrote two or three Letters to Col 0 Croghan but have 
not had an answer—hope my good friends in the Neighbourhood 
of Fort Johnson are very well also those at the Hall and beg my 
Respects to them—M rS Chew presents hers to you and I offer all 
the good wishes in my Power for your health & Happiness and 
am most sincerely and Respectfully 
Dear Sir 

your most Obed 1 & 

Most Hble Serv* 

Jos Chew. 

Tne Hon ble Sir W m Johnson Bar 1 . 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO REV. DR. AUCHMUTY. 

Johnson Hall Jany 25 th 1769. 
Sir 

I am to thank you for your favor of the 4th Inst, and for the 
particulars you communicated concerning the Conduct of the 




404 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Gentleman & party therein mentioned, relative to which I by 
the same post received some farther accounts of a personal 
Nature which obliged me on his lately applying for my Interest 
at the ensuing Election, to address him particularly on the score 
of the Liberties I heard lie had taken, which in a letter in 
Answer lie denys and explains his Conduct in that matter, how-' 
ever I shall take the first opportunity to Let him know some¬ 
thing more of my Mind;— 

As to the present Election It was appointed so Suddenly by 
the Sheriff that it was impossible to Collect the Voters of this 
extensive County particularly as the roads are so bad & the 
Rivers impassible it being a very uncommon Season in these 
parts, besides I find no other persons inclined to set up, and as 
to my Son tho’ he is very much obliged to his friends for the 
desire they Express in his favor, it is a Station lie by no means 
inclines to. I imagine that the new Assembly does not promise long 
duration for if they take the same affair in hands I presume the 
Gov r will be obliged to dissolve them unless these matters are 
settled at home in the interim. There will probably be more 
time given should there be another Election soon, & some 
persons may start up as Candidates worthy encouragem*, but I 
have had such long Experience of the Views and Interests of 
some partys amongst you, that I imagine one or two Members 
from hence however otherwise inclined would prove of little 
service as to any thing to be done in the House, particularly as 
to politicks, in Matters of Religion indeed, the Church of Eng¬ 
land is on so respectable a footing at New York that I hope & 
have reason to think it will now Succeed & that it will Extend 
itself and flourish, to which any Consistent endeavors of mine 
that might be at all deemed necessary should not be wanting. As 
to the person you particularly Mention he applied to me at his 
first entrance into the House, & as I had nothing then to urge 
against him, I made no Stirr, nor had he any opponents, If his 
Conduct since will Justify me I shall at another opportunity do 
what is needfull, as I have the pleasure to find that a Conduct 
which gives me inward satisfaction has produced mean Influence 
& Interest in this Country of which it is not in their power to 
deprive me, and of which I shall never.make an ill use. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


405 


HUGH GAINE TO SIR W M JOHNSON 

INDIAN PRAYER BOOK COMPLETED. 

Sir 

This you’ll N receive by Col. Croghan, who will at the same 
Time deliver you one of the Indian Common Prayers : Agree¬ 
able to my Promise I had them compleated by Christmass, and 
they are now in the Hands of the Binders, and I expect to have 
them ready to send up by the first Sloops that go up in the 
Spring. 

On Enquiry I found that no Books printed in the Colonies, 
could be sent to Great Britain, but at a very great Expence, and 
shall therefore endeavour to get 2 Dozen done here in Morroco, 
which I hope to get compleated to Satisfaction. The Bible and 
other Articles you wrote for shall accompany the Common 
Prayers. 

The Rev u M r Ogilvie says he must have at least half Dozen 
of the Common Prayers, which he intends for some of his Friends 
in England. What must be done in this Case 1 I only wait 
your Orders, and am Sir 

Your humble Servant 

H. Gaine. 

New-York Feb. 2, 1769. 


CHURCHWARDENS OF SCHENECTADY TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Schenectady 25 th Feb'? 1769. 
Sir 

On Thursday last we Reed the inclosed Letter, by which you’ll 
understand, that all our Expectations, as to M r Murray are at 
an End, you can’t immagine how the Disappointment affects us, 
and will be attended with the Consequences of losing some part 
of our Congregation by their Joining the Dissenters, as they 
have provided themselves with a Gentleman who is- much 
admired, And as we are at a Loss how to proceed farther for the 
speedy provision of a Missionary We make bold to Crave your 



406 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Advice how to act. Last Fall when M r Brown was in New 
York The Rev d D r Auchmuthy told him in Case of a Disappoint¬ 
ment with M r Murray, that he doubted not but that (with your 
Approbation) he could procure us a Worthy Gentleman. We 
have the pleasure to inform you that we Waited on the Govern- 
our when last here and Received his subscription money, as also 
the sum of «£3 5s from Coll 1 Morris. We are informed that M r 
Moffat will be up next Week to go on with the Church. We 
are with the Greatest Respect 

Sir Your most Ob 1 & Humble Servants 

Matthew Lyne. 
John Shee. 

Thomas Arnold. 
Jw. Brown. 


P. S.—Pray Excuse haste. 


[Enclosure.] 

Reading 31 January 1769 

Sir 

I was favoured with a Joint Letter from you, Mess rs Shee, 
Brown & Curry dated 2 d Inst. But never Received the other 
you mention of Oct r last, or woud not have failed so far in Duty 
& Respect as not to have answered it immediately. In conse¬ 
quence of some Letters that passed betwixt Sir William Johnson 
& the Rev d D r Smith of Philad a I wrote the Society in January 
last for leave to Remove to Schenectady, & accordingly obtained 
their Consent Summer last: But hearing nothing in the Interim 
from the People as I expected from what D r Smith wrote S* 
William when I applied the Society, I was obliged to drop all 
farther thoughts of that Mission, & Signified to the Society in 
September last, that, as matters thus stood, they shoud not post¬ 
pone the Settlement of it on my account. And since then I have 
entered into a married State, which w T oud make a Removal so far 
as to Schenectady very inconvenient, & the Salary there wou’d be 
very unequal to the Expence of supporting a Family : However 
I am much indebted you for your kind Invitation, & sincerely 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


407 


wish you may be soon provided in a Worthy Missionary, k am 
with all Gratitude & Esteem 

Sir Your most obliged and very 

Affectionate Friend k Serv 1 
Alex r Murray. 


PASS TO MESSRS DANFORTH & WILLARD, 

OF CAMBRIDGE TO OBSERVE THE TRANSIT OF VENUS. 

By His Excellency The Honorable Thomas Gage, General and 
Commander in Chief of all His Majesty’s Forces in North 
America, &ca, &ca, &ca, 

To the officers Commanding at Fort Ontario , Niagara , Fort 
Erie , Detroit <§r Missilimakinak. 

Whereas, Mess rs Danforth and Willard, Professors of the 
Mathematicks, are going to observe the transit of Venus in Lake 
Superior ; The officers commanding as abovementioned at and 
on the Communication to Missilimakinak, are required to treat 
them with all such Convenience as tlieii respective Posts will 
afford, and to give all such aid and assistance, as may be 
in their Power to forward the abovementioned Gentlemen, 
their Attendance &ca with Dispatch from Post to Post to the 
Place of their Destination : And should any of the Vessels be 
out or not in readiness to proceed, upon their arrival at any of 
the Posts, they are immediately to be accommodated with Boats 
and proper Crews to row them across the Lake where this shall 
happen. 

The officer Commanding at Missilimakinak, is further required 
to acquaint the Indians, with the design of these Gentlemen 
proceeding to Lake Superior, to reconcile them to their Intentions 
and to prevent any Jealousy that might be conceived by them, 
either from their Errand, or the use of the Instruments they 
carry along with them : He is likewise to Endeavor, to engage 
some of the Indians Inhabiting Lake Superior to attend them, 
and protect them from any Insults that may be offered them, by 



408 


♦ 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


any straggling Indians they may meet with on the Lake for which 
service the above Gentlemen will make the Indians who attend 
them a reasonable Present. 

Given under my Hand and Seal 

at Head Quarters in New York, f l. s. ] 

this 17 th Day of March, 1769 

Thos. Gage. 


By his Excellency’s Command 
G. Maturin Jr. 


%* Great preparations were made to observe the above Transit, (which was to 
take place on 3d June 1769,) as another would not occur until 1874. It was 
observed on this continent, by Samuel Holland, Esq. at Quebec; by T. Wright, 
at Isle au Coudre; by Prof. Jno. Winthrop, at Cambridge, Mass.; by Joseph 
BrOwn, at Providence, R. I.; by Rev. Dr. Smith, at Philadelphia; by Messrs. 
Biddle and Bailey at Lewiston, Del.; by John Leeds, at Annapolis, Md.; by 
Messrs. Wales and Dymond, on the N. W. coast of Hudson’s Bay; and by Abbe 
Chappe at California. Dr. Harris of Cambridge informs me, that Thomas Dan- 
forth, mentioned above, was probably the son of Hon. Judge Samuel Danforth, 
of Cambridge, (Sami, was son of Rev. John, of Dorchester, and Rev. John was 
son of Rev. Sami, of Roxbury—all distinguished for mathematical attainments,) 
—graduated at Harvard College, 1762, was Tutor there from 1765 to 1768, settled 
as a lawyer in Charlestown, Mass., and died in 1820. Joseph Willard gradu¬ 
ated at Harvard College, 1765, was Tutor 1766 to 1772, and afterwards President 
of the College. He died in 1804. It is not known whether these gentlemen went 
to Michilimakinac; I can find nothing of their Journey thither in print.— Ed. 


JOHN RAND TO REV. DR, AUCIIMUTY. 

Reverend Sir 

Receiving Information that last Week you being in Company 
with several Rev d Gentlemen : some one taking Occasion to 
speak of my being in the Province & of my Design with respect 
to A Living, there appeared in yourself & others, A willingness 
to countenance me in my undertakings. Verily S r there are no 
Favours which I so gratefully notice as those of this Kind. As 
to my leaving the School at Rye, to engage in the same employ 
at Fort Johnson, I am pleased with the Motion,—mangre the 
Consideration of Salary in one Place & the other : hopeing that 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


409 


my Removal thither may be favorable to my Design of entering 
\nto Holy Orders: for which office may I be better prepared—I 
I am now engaged by the Rev d M r Avery in the Service of the 
Society for propagating the Gosple in foreign Parts—from which 
Venerable Society I understand that you S r have Instructions 
with Respect to Fort Johnson,—Now all tilings considered it is 
my Resolve with Respect to leaving Rye to hearken to yours & 
Mr. Avery’s Advice and that no one have Occasion to repent 
of favor granted to me shall be the steady purpose of your 
humble servant 

John Rand. 

Rye April 3. 1769 
To the Rev d D r . Achmuty 

P. S. Rev d Sir, in the above Letter you have M r Rand’s senti¬ 
ments respecting Sir William Johnsons Request—Mr. Rand is 
complaisant enough to leave the whole affair to our judgment 
and will chearfully comply with our Directions, please therefore 
to act your own Discretion letting me know, very soon (by a 
Line) your Determination, kind Respects to M rs Auchmuty and 
Family conclude me, Rev d Sir, 

Your Friend and Brother 

Ephm Avery . 1 


REV. IIARRY MUNRO TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Honourable Sir, 

Being just now returned from New York, I 
beg Leave to send you inclosed a Letter from Doctor Auchmuty. 

1 Rev. Ephraim Avert, of Pomfret, Conn., obtained the degree of A. B. from 
Yale College, and in 1767 received that of Master of Arts from the King’s Col¬ 
lege, New York. His mother, it is said, was Deborah Avery, afterwards wife of 
John Gardiner, of Gardiner’s Island, and subsequently married to Major Gen. 
Putnam. Mr. Avery succeeded Mr. Punderson as minister of Rye in 1765, and 
continued in charge of that church until the Revolution, when he became so 
obnoxious to the whigs that his horses were seized, his cattle driven off and his 
property plundered. He died 5 November 1776. General Putnam’s wife died 
in 1777, at Head quarters in the Highlands, and was interred in Beverly Robin¬ 
son’s family vault.— Bolton. 



410 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


I am sorry that my unexpected Journey did put it out of my 
Power to wait on the Indians at Easter, as I intended, but my 
Business was so urgent, that I am pprsuaded you will readily 
excuse me. I shall be much obliged to you Sir, if you will ac¬ 
quaint the Indians, that I am now ready to wait on them ; on 
Trinity Sunday, being the Twenty first of May. If that Day 
will not Suit, I will wait Upon them on the Seventh of May, 
being the Sunday next before Whitsunday. You will please 
inform me by first opportunity, what time will be most Agree¬ 
able to you, & I will endeavour to come up accordingly ; but 
Whitsunday you know, is a particular festival on which I must 
administer the Sacrement to my Congregation at Albany, very 
little News at New York ; The Packet was not arrived. M r 
Cruger is chosen Speaker in the Assembly, to the no Small 
mortification of a certain Party, who have lost Ground not only 
in New York, but in Philad a likewise have lately received a 
mortal wound. 

Doctor Chandler has received several Letters from the Bishops 
& other dignified Clergy, approving of his appeal; He desires 
me to present his best Respects to Sir William Johnson. He is 
now publishing a Vindication of the appeal, and is to Send Sir 
William a Copy. 

Please to accept my best Respects, and am with great Regard 
Honourable Sir, 

Your most Obedient Servant 

Harry Munro. 

Albany 12 th April \ 

1769. 5 

P. S. My best Regards, if you please, to Sir John, Col 1 John 
son, Col 1 Claus, M r . Grace, & M r Dailey, adieu. 

*,* The Rev. Harry Munro was horn in 1729. He was the son of Dr. Robert 
Munro of Dingwall whose father was Alexander Munro, Laird of Killichoan, 
in Rosshire, grandson of Sir Robert Munro 3d baronet, and 24th baron of Fowlis 
in Inverness. His mother was Ann Munro of Feanourd a distant cousin of her 
husband. Being the second son of the Laird of Killichoan his father was bred 
a surgeon and in that capacity joined Lord Loudon’s army in 1745, and died the 
next year from injuries received in that campaign, leaving two sons, Harry and 
Alexander Munro. Harry was then a lad of 16, & shortly after his father’s death 
entered the University of St Andrews. After taking the usual degrees of 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


411 


HUGH GAINE TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Sir 

Your favour of the 14th Instant is now before me. I am 
very sorry the Common Prayer Books could not have been sent 
sooner. The Fault was not mine, but the Bookbinders, out of 
whose Hands I could not get them before the Middle of March, 
and then only 283, which I sent you the first Instant, with all 
the other Articles you wrote for that could be obtained in this 

Bachelor, & Master of Arts, he studied Divinity in Edinburgh. In 1757 he 
was admitted to orders in the Kirk of Scotland . & appointed Chaplain to the 77th 
Regiment of foot commanded by Col. Montgomery ; he accompanied that regi¬ 
ment to America in 1759, and served with it to the close of the French war. 
On the return of Peace he resided mostly at Princeton, New Jersey. A change 
now came over his theological views, and he embraced episcopacy. He was ac¬ 
cordingly recommended for orders by a Convention of the clergy of that denomi¬ 
nation which met at Perth Amboy on 20th Sept 1764, and he sailed for England 
in the course of the month of December following. He returned to America the 
next Spring with an appointment from the Soc : for prop : the Gospel to St 
John’s Church, Yonkers, of which he was the first Pastor—He was connected 
two years with this church, and was appointed in 1767, Minister of St. Peter’s 
Albany, of which church he took charge on the 26 March 1768. In 1773, King’s 
Coll : New York eonferfed the degree of A.M. on him. In the summer of 1775, 
he resigned the rectorship of St Peter’s on the alleged ground of ill health, and 
moved to Hebron in Washington County where he owned a considerable tract of 
land. Like many other of the clergy of the church, he was considered at the 
commencement of the Revolution an enemy to the liberties of America. He ap¬ 
plied personally in Augnst 1776 to the Albany Committee for a Pass to go to 
New Jersey or Pennsylvania, but this was refused ; he obtained permission 
the following year, to remove to Canada and at the close of the war returned to 
Scotland, became Rector of a church at Edinburgh, where he died in the year 
1801, aged 71 years. He is buried in the West Church yard of St Cuthberts 
church of that city. 

The Revd. Mr. Munro was married three times. His first wife was the widow 
of an officer of his own regiment. She died in child bed within a year after their 
marriage, leaving one child named Elizabeth, afterwards Mrs. Fisher, who died 
lately in Montreal. In 1762, the revd Mr. M. manned Miss Stockton of Princeton 
N. J. grand aunt, it is supposed, of Com. Stockton, U. S. Senate. This lady 
died in the autumn of 1764, leaving an infant who survived its mother but a few 
weeks. On his removal to Yonkers in 1765, he married his third wife Eve, 
eldest daughter of Ch. Just. Jay. This lady died in 1810, leaving one son, 
Peter Jay Munro, a distinguished member of the bar, and one of the framers of 
the Constitution of this State of 1822. Peter J. M. died 22. Sept 1833, aged 66 
years. Letter of E. F. De Lancey, Esq. 


412 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


City. The Prayer Books that are to be bound in Morroco, must 
be delayed for some Time, as I must send to Boston for the 
Leather; and when compleated shall be sent with the account 
of the whole. 

The Laws of last Session were sent you by Post, as soon as 
finished, but I suppose have been lost by some Means or other 
in Albany: I by this Opportunity send you another Set, which 
I hope will go safe to Hand, as also the Votes to the 18th Instant, 
since which none have been printed, and shall continue the 
latter regularly by every Post. 

Bayles General Dictionary is not to be had in this Place, but 
shall send to London for them as soon as we are permitted to 
import any Goods from that Part of the World. And am, Sir, 
in the mean Time 

Your Obliged humble Servant 

H. Gaine. 

New-York ? 

April 22, 1769 J 


JAMES ADAIR ESQ. TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Great Sire 

Tho’ Pm just on y e point of returning southwardly, by y e way 
of Philadelphia ; yet my gratitude k intense affection incite me 
to send you these lines in return for y r kindness to me at y r 
hospitable Hall; And for y r kindly patronage of my weak & 
honest productions, on y® Origin of y e Indian Americans. All 
ranks of y e learned, here, have subscribed to their being pub¬ 
lish’d in London, a half year, lienee; And y e two volumes, 
Octavo, w h they consist of, I do myself y e particular’ honour, 
from an innate generous principle, to dedicate to you k Sir Henry 
Moore ; For tho’ he has not seen y e manuscripts, yet, on y e strong 
recommendations of y e Learned, lie has patronised me, both 
here, and in y e I lands, and every where else, that his good 
nature k philosophic temper cou’d think of. My great Hybernian 
Mecgenas as yo’ve approved of my Indian performance, from y r 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


413 


own knowledge and accurate observations, Pm fully perswaded, 
that, upon my solicitation, you’ll take some convenient oppor¬ 
tunity to recommend me to y e notice of Lord Hillsborough, y r 
friends in Ireland, &c. For, You know, I came from y e South¬ 
ward, on purpose to apply to y r friendly mediation, of which 
General Gage has taken no notice, on account, as I’m informed 
by the Clergy, of certain (supposed) Stuart’s principles. Opposi¬ 
tion makes honest men, only, the more intent: and ther’s a 
certain time for every thing; As y G two letters I did myself y e 
pleasure to write to you, from y s place, sufficiently indicate, 
according to my opinion. 

Please to excuse y s hurry’d-off scroll and to give my sincere 
& lasting respects to y r hon ble extensive family, one by one; 
and to accept the same, from, 

Great Sire y r obliged, & very 

devoted H ble Serv 4 

James Adair. 

N. York April 30 th ann 1769. 


JAMES ADAIR ESQ R TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Sire, 

About a month ago, I did myself y e .pleasure of writing to 
you, both in complyance to y r kindly request, and my own ardent 
inclination. And, now, I re-assume it, returning you my most 
hearty thanks, for your civilities and favours of each kind. 

In a great measure, I ascribe to you my Maecenas, that y e Rev d 
Mess rs Inglis and Ogilvie,y e Professors of y e College, and a good 
many of y e Learned, here, including, in a very particular man¬ 
ner, the good-humourd, the sensible, the gay, y e witty, & polite, 
Sir Henry Moore, have taken me into their patronage ; Tho’ I’m 
sorry to say, that Gen 1 ' 1 Gage paid so little regard to y r friendly 
letter in my behalf, as not to order his Aid de Camp to introduce 
me when I called to wait of him. Indeed he subscribed for two 
Setts of my Indian Essays and History : And so do several other 
Gen 4 on account of their reputed merit; for ye Learned applaud 



411 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


y e performance. In short, Sir, I look down, with a philosophic 
eye, on that, or any such, neglect as a most imaginary trifle ; 
Especially, if what I said to a curious & inquisitive Son of 
Caledonia, concerning y e well-known mismanagement, & ill 
situation, of our Indian affairs, westwardly, should have occa¬ 
sioned it; For truth will prevail, when painted with its genuine 
honest colours. 

In y e historical part, I shall put myself under y r most friendly 
patronage, and y l of Sir Henry Moore, and do myself y e particular 
favour of writing to each of you, from y e southward, before I 
sett off to England, next summer. As His Excelly has not only 
induced y e Hon ble members of His Majestys Council to give a 
sanction to my performance, and engaged to persw T ade y e Comons 
House of Assembly to follqw their Copy 5 But, likewise to con¬ 
tinue to take in subscriptions, till y c Books are published, and 
remit me a Bill, on y® agent, at London, as soon as he has heard, by 
y e public accounts, of their being in the Press ; I’m hopefull, 
you’ll be pleased to excuse my freedom of infolding, in this, a 
New-York printed Proposal; and that y r patriotic temper will 
incite You to shew it to such Lovers of letters, as frequent your 
Hall, in order to gain, at least, nominal subscriptions, and give 
a sanction to the treatise in Europe ; Likewise, y 4 w r hen I do 
myself y e honour of writing to you, again, you’ll be so kind as 
to remit me their names, at London, according to request. 

* I’ve room to* be pretty certain, that four of y r learned friends, 
here ; viz, the Rev d Doctor Acmody, the Rev d Doctor Cooper, 
and y e Rev d Mess rs Inglis & Ogilvie, A. M. will, thro’ a true 
benevolence of heart, recommend me to the notice of y c President 
of y e Society for propogating y e Gospel, in order to obtain a 
missionary for our old friendly Chickosahs ; and likewise, their 
patronage in y« publication of my Indian work. When you’re 
writing to my Lord Hillsborough, should y 1 ' own public spirit 
induce you to recommend me to his patronage, it would prove a 
great advance towards obtaining satisfaction for what y e Governm 4 
is indebted me. That, k y c like, I leave to y own kindness of 
heart, which always leads and directs you, in support of a 
generous cause. 

Please to give my most hearty respects to y r cheerful and most 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


415 


promising favourite son, Sir John, to ye gay, y e kindly, & ye 
witty Col 1 Johnson, to his discreet & most amiable Lady, & their 
pretty little Sheelah Grab, who is y e lovely and lively picture of 
them both; To all yours. One by one ; To Col 1 Class & his 
Lady ; To y e Gen 1 with you, & c ; and to accept y e same, from, 
Great Sir 

Y r very obliged & most IJ bIe Serv 4 

James Adair 

(Endorsed) M r James Adairs letter supposed 
to be wrote in April or March 
rec d 18** 1 of April 1769. 

Ans d May 10^ 1769. 


SIR WM JOHNSON TO JAMES ADAIR.. 

Johnson hall May 10 ,h 1769. 
Sir, 

I have received two of your Letters since your departure, a 
third which you speak of, never came to hands, but from the 
others I find with pleasure that you have met with the Counte¬ 
nance & patronage of the Gentlemen you mention & I sincerely 
wish they may prove of Service to you, tho’ I am concerned that 
you met with any neglect from the quarter you speak of how¬ 
ever I am hopefull that the protection you have hitherto found 
w T ill prove a good introduction to your Curious performance, & 
that its publication will tend to your reputation & Interest, to 
which I shall gladly Contribute as far as in me Lyes. I am 
obliged to you for your Intentions respecting the Dedication, 
which I should chuse to decline but that I would not disappoint 
your good intentions, tho J I would check the flowings of a 
friendly pen which unrestrained might go farther than is consist¬ 
ent with my inclinations. 

I return you your printed proposals, Subscribed to by myself 
& family with Two or Three others, which are as many as I have 
hitherto had an opportunity of Laying them before, & the time 
you spent in these parts has enabled you I presume to know 



41G 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


enough of its Inhabitants not to be Surprised that a Work of 
that Nature sho d meet with such Small encouragement. Sir 
John. Col. Johnson &c thank you kindly for the manner in which 
you have remembered them heartily wishing you success, k be 
assured that I shall be glad to serve you in your undertaking as 
well as to hear of your prosperity being Sir, 

Your real Well Wisher & very humble Servt 

M r . James Adair. 


LIST OF SCHOLARS AT THE 

Richard Young 
Peter Young 
Hendrick Young 
Richard Cotter 
Hendrick Rynnion 
James Mordon 
Daniel Cammel 
Samuel Davis 
Reneir Vansiclan 
Jacob Veder 
Randel M’Donald 
John Foilyard 
Peter Rynnion 
Peter Potman 
Jacob Doran 
David Doran 
Jeromy Doran 
Adam M’Donnald 
Abraham Boice 
Caleb MCarty 
Hendrick Collinger 
Jacob Servos 
John Servos 


FREE SCHOOL, JOHNSTOWN. 

John Miller 
James MGregar 
George Binder 
Christian Rider 
Bernard Rider 
Simeon Scouten 
Francis Bradthau 
John Everot 
Sarah Connor 
Leny Rynnion 
Betsey Garlick 
Baby Garlick 
Rebecca Vansiclan 
Caty Cammel 
Caty Garlick 
Mary M 5 In tyre 
Peggy Potman 
Eve WaldrofF 
Caty Waldroff 
Leny Waldroff 
Margaret Servos 
Catharine Servos 

Males k Females—15. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


417 


MOHAWK SCHOOL AT FORT HUNTER. 

Began to Open School April y e 17 th 1769. 

Aug 1 28 th 1769 A List of The Indians Children belonging to 
the Free School at Fort Hunter near the Mohawk 
River in the County of Albany and Province of 
New York with their Tribes. 

Bear Tribe David,David, Abraham, John, Jacob, Peter, Joseph, 
Adam, Brant, Kreenas, Johannes, Peter, Nellithe 
Nellithe (Females) .... 15 

Wolf Tribe Thomas, Paul, Jacob, John, Daniel, Catharine,Susan* 
na, Catharine. (Females) 8 

Turtle Tribe Isaac, Joseph, Daniel, Jacob, Thomas Christianna, 
Catharine. (Females)... 7 

Total. 30 

P r Me Colin Mc[Leland] Schoolmaster. 

S r . According to your Direction I have sent your 
Honour this List. 


HUGH GAINE TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Sir 

At last I have been able to send you -the Remainder of the 
Common Prayer. I am sorry they have been delayed so long, but 
I assure you it was not in my Power to send them sooner, the 
Delay being occasioned by the want of Morroca Leather 

Inclosed you have your own Account, as also the v'hole 
Expence of the Common Prayers, binding, Paper, &c. which I 
hope you’ll think reasonable. Had it been English, the Printing 
Work could not have been done cheaper. I have not charged 
you with the News-Paper, as I am at a loss to know when you 
began, but I imagine ’tis not less than 10 years This, Perhaps 
you can remember yourself, as the same is quite unknown to 
Sir 

Your humble Servant 

New-York ( H. Gaine. 

August 31, 1769. 

Yol. iv. 


27 





413 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


JAMES ADAIR ESQ. TO SIR W M JOHNSON. 

Hon ble Sire 

As y r kindly temper and public spirit invited me to write to 
you, (exactly after y e manner Sir Henry Moore did, with regard 
to myself) in wffiat manner you could be of any service to me, 
at London, I make free to inform you, that, next April, I set off 
from this metropolis of Georgia-Colony, to London, in order to 
get my Indian Productions published, there, under y r auspicious 
patronage; And, as you firmly believ’d, according to my creed, 
that general Licences are utterly destructive to y e Indian trade, 
and our barrier settlements and Colonies, by allowing such 
prodgious nubers of worthless trading Pedlars, as can give 
security for conforming to y e rules of trade, both to overstock it, 
corrupt y e Indians by trusting them twice more than they can 
pay : then perpexing them for y e effect of their own indiscretion, 
and betraying y e Secrets of Government, & c & c I’m hopeful, 
you’ll recommend, in concert with Govern 1, Wright & Lieu 4 
Govern r Bull, to y e Lords of trade, if it lyes in their sphere of 
action, a total abrogation of. that most pernicious custom of 
granting Licences; Without which, ’tis y e universal opinion of 
all us, who have gain’d sufficient skill in Indian affairs, that, 
when the Creeks have made peace with y e Chocktali nation, 
they’ll fall on our valuable weak Colony of Georgia, as they 
despise us like tame helpless dung-hill fowls, and, in their usual 
set speeches, and bacchanal days, term us so, by having been 
passively allowed, for these nine years past, to shed under y e 
greatest security, a torrent of y e innocent crying blood of valuable 
british Subjects, to y e shame and discredit of every tie of social 
union. 

If, along with y e former, y r ow T n kindly temper & love of v e 
public good should incite you to write any tiling, in my behalf, 
to my Lord Hillsborough ory e Lords of trade and remit it to me 
directed either to y e care of James Parsons Esq r Attorney at 
Law, in Charlestown ; or to that of Mess 1 ' 8 Tellfair, merch ts or 
M r Johnson, Printer, in Savannah, I shou’d readily receive it: 
And it wou’d be of great service to me; For your interest is 
V6ry great, in London. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 419 , 

I 

Fin hopeful, Sir, that both you and every one of y r extensive 
& very respectable Family are well: and may the divine bounti¬ 
ful goodness, always, preserve ye, so. Be so kind as to present 
to each of them, one by one, my continual sincere well-wishes, 
and very humble respects; and to accept of ye same from. 
Hon b,e Sir, 

Your much obliged 
& very obed 1 H ble Serv 4 

James Adair. 

Savannah 9 br 15* h An : 1769. 


GEORGE CROGHAN TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 

New York Nov br 16 : 1769 

Dear Sir 

the Bearer M r William Andrews 1 is a young Gentleman bread 
up to the Church well Recommended w h you will find by M> 
Achmuty’ Leters and is a Relation of M r Campble 2 in Schonec^- 
tady M r Achmuty is of opinion that albany & Schonectady should 
be butt one Living att that M r . Monrow should have it and this 
Gentleman he preposed for y r , Town & the Mohocks I have been 
presse d on by Several Gentlemen hear to Write y r honour with 
this Gentleman and hope you will Excuse' the Liberty I take in 
Do itt, for tho I Love y e church very well I know I ought Nott 

1 Revd Wm Andrews was a native of Ireland. He returned home in 1770, 
when he was ordained by the Bishop of London and appointed Missionary at 
Schenectady, in which place some of his relatives, it seems, already resided, 
Having married, in the meantime, he entered on his charge immediately after 
receiving orders, to the satisfaction of his congregation. He opened a grammar 
school in the fall of 1771, but the labors attendant on this, with ill health & 
other causes mentioned in his letter (post) of 16 Aug. 1773, obliged him to 
relinquish this mission and sail to Virginia. Ed. 

2 Daniel Campbell was a native of Ireland, married a Miss Schermerhorn, 
acquired great wealth in Schenectady as a Merchant, portion of which he left to 
a nephew, a Dr. Campbell of London who resided in this country several years 
and then returned to England. Daniel D. Schermerhorn, one of the Members 
of the late Constitutional Convention, having become heir to Mr. C. lias since 
assumed that name. 



420 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


to Medle with Church Maters I think he is a Modest Young Man 
& one w h you May bring up To answer the Discretion of Such 
a Won as you formerly Chose only he has No Wife But that want 
your honour No Doubt Soon Suply him with of the fruitfull 
Loanes of your Estate. 

I have seen the Gineral Several Times Since I came to Town 
he has No Late News of any Disturbence to y e Westward butt 
Says itts Expected that some broyles will hapen in y e Spring he 
Dose Nott See he Says any Service My going this Time of the 
yeer as y e Indians are all out a hunting But thinks I should send 
Some belts to Lett them know that I will be up in y e Spring he 
Says y e provinces will Neaver Do any thing that was Expected 
& that Everything Must Return in its proper Chanel this 
Winter under y r honors Direction or things will Neaver Do Right 
he Tould me yesterday that I must Stay here Till Next Week as 
he was busey this when lie wold have a Long Conversation with 
Me, he Recomended to Me to Memorial the King a bout my 
Grants & one of his family Tould me he wold Recomend it if I 
asked him after I have hard what the General has to say to Me 
I will write y r honer More fully. - 

the Ship Dutchess of Gorden is aRived things in England in the 
Greatest Confuson Nothing But peticions from all y e Counteys 
prepairing to prevent y e King Backing the Midlesex & Livery 
of London one M r Musgroves Leter Just as y e paice was Made 
Makes a great Noise this is y c Leter w h L—d Egermont Shott 
himself about there is Now a Suplement printing to yesterday 
paper w h the Berer will Take up to you w h will Contain y« 
Leter & all y e News this vesel has brought y« packet is Nott yet 
aRived butt hourly expected. 

Plese to present my Complem ts to all the Gentlemen 
with you & blive me with the greatest Respect your 
Honors Most obedient & hum bIe Servant 

Geo : Croghan. 

To the Hon ble 

Sir William Johnson Bar 1 

*•* Ge°- Croghan late of Passyunk, Pa. made his will on the 12th June 1782. 
His daughter Susannah, married Lt. Augustine Prevost. He does not seem to 
have left any male heirs. His will is recorded in the office of the Clerk of tho 
Court of Appeals Albany, N. Y. Ed. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


421 


SECY BANYAR TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 

New York 18 November 1769. 

Dear Sir William 

The Bearer M r William Andrews is a .young Gentleman from 
Ireland, who lias thoughts of taking orders for the Ministry. He 
is in hopes of being called for the Church of Schenectady, and 
carrys recommendatory Letters from Doctor Auchmuty and 
Colonel Crogham. I understand his character is unexceptiona¬ 
ble and his Education liberal. If you can be of any service to 
him you will oblige me in giving him Countenance, and your 
Civilitice I shall acknowledge with Gratitude I am indebted to 
you for a Letter; but it shall not be long eer I discharge it. 

I. am D r Sir W ra 

your affectionate and obedient Servant 
Gw Banyar. 


MR. ANDREWS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 


Sir, 

I have just receiv’d intelligence of a Yessell at York bound 
for Ireland, and is expected to sail“very shortly. On this 
Account, and because my Continuance here entirely depends 
upon your recommending me to the Society’s service; I shou’d 
sincerely thank you to send me the recommendatory letter, as 
soon as convenient. 

I have been seriously considering of the most effectual means, 
of procuring proper Persons to supply the vacant Missions in 
this Province, and can, upon mature Consideration, think of no 
better judged Expedient, than to invite some of the sober, and 
aged Graduates of Trinity-College, Dublin to undertake the 
sacred Office. I doubt not, but the Proposal wou’d be pleasing 
to the People, and the Offer agreeable to the Gentlemen. \ 

My Reasons for advancing this Circumstance, I must humbly 
beg leave to mention 



422 PAPERS RELATING TO 

A late Abstract of the Society, informs us of the Want of 
Clergy even in several parts of England, occasion’d probably by 
the Students diverting their Education to more profitable Pur¬ 
suits. And the Candidates for holy Orders, educated on this 
side the Atlantic, are by no means enabled to perform the Ser¬ 
vice of the Church, and discharge their Duty with so much 
Satisfaction to their Congregation, as these persons I have been 
; speakirig of, who have regularly obtained their Degrees by 
Merit, after a proper Course of Study. Tho’ I do not urge this 
Circumstance, thro’ any disrespect or by way of Retort, against 
the Americans, I only mention it on account of their being de¬ 
prived of the Opportunity of receiving so good and solid an 
■’Education. 

Ireland does not labour under the same disadvantage, as Eng¬ 
land, with respect to Clergy; For, we frequently hear of num¬ 
bers, 1 soliciting for a Curacy, a poor Provision indeed. Besides 
let me add, that the American Candidates are subject to the 
Danger and Expense of doubly traversing a large Ocean, and 
incumbred with Charges, which they are scarce enabled to bear 
before they can obtain their desire. 

Now, if this Plan shou’d be found agreeable to the Society, 1 
believe I cou’d prevail upon some of those Gentlemen to come 
over, and settle in these Vacancies, whose Characters and Qual 
ifications cou’d be properly ascertained. 

Remitting your recommendatory letters, thro’ Doctor Auch 
muty at York, wou’d be esteem’d as an Obligation conferr’d on 
him, who is with Respect and Gratitude, 

Sir, Your most obedient, 

and humble Servant, 

Wm Andrews. 

Schenectady, 10 th Decb r 17C9. 

Since my sitting down to write this, 1 have found an imme¬ 
diate Conveyance to York, & have therefore embraced the Oppor¬ 
tunity of setting ofi* to Morrow for Albany. Your letter then 
will reach me by means of D r Auchmuty. 

Sir William Johnson Bart. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


423 


MR. ANDREWS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

New York, 28 th Jan r y 1770. 

I have just time to acknowledge your favor, with a Draft 
inclos’d on M r Mortier, from whom I have receiv’d Fifty one 
pounds Currency; For which I return you sincere thanks and 
shall when able repay you. 

Accompanying this I send you a letter from my good Friend 
M r Barton, who recommends me to you, & points out in my letter 
an Indian Mission—I intended after my Return here to have 
receiv’d instruction in their Language with the intention of 
delivering Discourses amongst them, whenever leisure shou’d 
permit from the Duty at Schenectady— 

To morrow I shall proceed on my way to London by Ireland 
in order to have my age properly ascertain’d & with the View 
of solliciting my Brother, (a Clergyman) to accompany me to 
London & probably I may prevail on him to come over with 
me—Believe me to be with the greatest sincerity. 

Sir, y r much oblig’d and humble serv 1 

Wm. Andrews. 

Sir W ra Johnson— 


REYD. DR. AUCHMUTY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

New York May the 11* 1770. 

Worthy Sir 

Your two last favors of the 16 th & 26 th of April came safe 
to my hands, and shall be perticularly answered by the next 
good opportunity. The reason of my troubling you at present 
is, at the request of a worthy Brother the Bearer of this, Mr. 
Forbes, who is rambling about to satisfy his curiosity. He in¬ 
tends to pay his respects to you considering his good character, 
and agreeable behaviour I venture to recommend him to your 
notice ; you will, as he is a Gentleman and scholar be greatly 
pleased with him. He is now waiting for this, therefore shall only 



424 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


add, that I hope you will pardon this freedom, I have taken, and 
be assured that I have the honor to be 

Worthy Sir Your much obliged ob l serv 4 
To Sir William Johnson. Samuel Auchmuty. 

P. S. Your Letter to the Secretary of the Society w r as immedi¬ 
ately sent to M r Stuart, 1 as you desired. 

THE SAME TO THE SAME. 

New York May the 20 th 1770. 

Sir I most sincerely thank you for your judicious observa¬ 
tions in your last Letter. Infidelity most certainly is the foun¬ 
tain from whence we are overwhelmed with misfortunes and 
almost brought to ruin. Our great men, instead of being care¬ 
ful pilots, and anxious for the safety of the Nation, are inveloped 
in false politic’s—rack their invention, & exert their utmost 
abilities to aggrandize themselves, and their Families, and suffer, 
for want of true principles, their Sovereign and their Country to 
be tossed to and fro with every wind of popular discontent, 
without guiding the Helm with prudence, caution and Resolu¬ 
tion. The Lords Temporal are wholly engrosssed in a system 
of Politic, which must end if persevered in, in the ruin of 
themselves, and their jCountry ; and the Lords Spiritual while 
they can unmolested enjoy their opulence, & weight in th e 
Government, pay too little attention to the distresses and injustice 
that the members of the best church in the world labor under, 
in America. The True principles of a good Church man, are, 
a true regard to the Laws of his God, and a zealous attachment 
to his lawful Sovereign. The opposers of a monarchical Govern¬ 
ment (too many of which our Nation are cursed with) are a 
direct contrast, which every man’s experience, if he has ten 
grains of sense or five of honesty, must convince him of. These 
men are ever assuming a power, have once had it—made a 
diabolical use of it, & yet have the audaciousness —the wickedness , 
to attempt usurp it again, under the best of princes. The Clergy 
are much indebted to you, worthy Sir, for your strong attach¬ 
ment to the present happy Establishment in Church and State ; 
and for your animated Letters to the Minstry seting forth the 

1 For a biographical sketch of this gentleman, see the end of this series.—E d. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


425 


necessity of an American Episcopate, and a proper notice and 
regard for the American Churches ; which, at present, are left 
destitute of Countenance and support; subject to the vile 
Ravages of Goths and Vandals—or what is worse— inveterate 
malice from those that dare to stile themselves Christians. May 
God reform them. I forgive them, but forget them, I hope I 
never shall—I am ordered in the Name of our Convention, 
which met at my house, the last week to thank you for the 
many good services you have honored us with ; and to assure 
you that we should esteem it as a most providential Event, if 
your power to serve us, w r as adequate to your inclination— 
happy should we be was this the Case. I therefore Sir, as 
president of the Convention pro tempore return you our most 
sincere and grateful Thanks, for the exertion of your Interest, 
in favor of the Church of England in America; and for the 
many favors we have received from you, as clergymen. We 
have still to beg, that the discouragements you have met with, 
may not slacken your generous Ardor ; or provoke you to cease 
your application at Home in our favor—i e. for the preservation 
of the present happy establishment in Church and State, which 
ought to be as firmly settled here, as in Great Britain, we most 
ardently wish you every Temporal and Spiritual Blessings; & 
beg leave to assure you that we retain a grateful sense of the 
honor you have done us, in becoming our Friend & Patron. 

This will be delivered to you, by my worthy Brothers, Cooper 
& Jnglis. The latter travels for Health, the former because he 
has too much. I almost envy them their happiness. 

I have received a Letter from M r Stuart, who is now I imagine 
plouging the Ocean. He got your Letter a few days after it 
came to my hands. 

I have not had any late Letters from the Secretary of the 
Society. I w T ish that good Body would adopt the Salutary 
advice you have given them; which would enable them to be 
further useful. 

I hope you will pardon this long Epistle; and, be assured 
that I am, w’orthy Sir, with great sencerity & truth 
Your much obliged & most ob { Serv 1 
Sir William Johnson. Samuel Auchmutt. 


426 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


SIR WM JOHNSON TO TIIE REYD DR. AUCHMUTY. 

Johnson hall May 27* 1770. 
Sir, 

I thank you most kindly for your Letter of the 20 th by our 
Friends D r Cooper & M r Inglis whom I very highly Esteem & in 
whose Society 1 have spent many agreable hours during which 
we have Conversed much on the affairs of the Church, Their 
Speedy return prevents me from Saying much to you by 
this opportunity. I cannot however avoid agreeing with you 
in the truth of your Remarks on the present unhappy state of 
affairs, which greatly contribute to check the growth & prevent 
the Success of the National Church, I hope the Government will 
at last discover the Importance of giving it all possible Counten¬ 
ance, & that whenever party shall so far Subside as to enable 
them to act without the apprehension of giving offence to others 
its Enemies, that they will afford it the required support. 

I most kindly thank the Convention for the favorable sent! 
ments they entertained of my endeavors in the Cause of our 
Religion, and I assure you & them, that I shall omit no opportu¬ 
nity for demonstrating the sincerity of my attachm 1 thereto, by 
promoting its Interest as far as my little Interest & abilities shall 
Enable .me, at the same time wishing that we may spedily hear 
more agreable news from England & Assuring you that I am 
always with great Truth Sir &c 

D r Auchmuty 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REYD MR. INGLIS. 

Johnson hall Nov r 1770. 

Dear Sir. 

I was lately agreably favored with your Letter of the 25 th 
ult° accompanied with your pretty present for your Godson the 
Indian Boy, which with your Letter to his father was receivec 
with Extraordinary marks of Gratitude and Thanks, so that it 




THE SIX NATIONS. 


427 


would be hard to say which were best pleased, The Boy with 
his finery or the parents with that Token of your remembrance 
& the Letter which they think greatly of, The Father was 
greatly distressed how to Express his thanks to you but at last 
wrote the Letter wch I now enclose, and after Lamenting that it 
was not in his power to make you a return suitable to his Incli¬ 
nations he begged that I might send you a Leathern Lap Decorated 
& which he gave me for that purpose adding that as he had worn 
it often in the field, when in Arms against our Enemys, it might 
still be considered as an emblem of his attachment. 

I sincerely wish that the Indians desires as Expressed at the 
late Congress joyned to my Strong recommendations may awaken 
the attention of Government to affairs of Religion, which under 
such auspices would soon flourish and Expand. The Informa¬ 
tion you gave me concerning, the appropriating the Quit rents 
to these uses, is I apprehend a matter that may rather be wished 
for, than Expected, as the Quit rents are greatly encreased by 
so many late Grants, and altho’ they are but very irregularly 
paid must tar Exceed the Slim you Mention, however if you 
could procure the ann 1 amount of them, and let me know it, I 
shall consider it farther, and see Whether there may not be 
some prospect of Success from such an application. 

As to the Nova Scotia Mission, when I consider, the Small 
number of the Indians, and their present dependant state there, 
together with its being made in consequence of their threats, I 
can hardly think that the Government will disregard the 
entreaties of a people whose power and Capacity so far exceeds 
those of Nova Scotia, and w'hose friendship & alliance is so much 
more interesting to us. 

It must have been thro’ hurry that I neglected giving you in 
my former Letter, the Numbers of the other Indians which I am 
well acquainted with. The Onondagas can muster about 200 
fighting Men, The Gayugas about 200, The Senecas, including 
those of this about 1000. but there are besides, many of every 
Nation Settled with other Tribes at and about the Suquehanna 
&ca which if added to their respective Nations would encrease 
the number, and the Tuscaroras, alone since the last body of-them 
came from the Southward to Joyn the rest may now [make] abt 


428 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


near 250. so that the Whole of the Six Nations without including 
any others will Amount to 2000 fighting Men, by which the 
Number of souls may be calculated in the usual manner. 

I am sensible that Example will go farther than precept in the 
Introducing Arts or Mechanics amongst them The advantage of 
which they will daily grow more sensible of. D r Wheelock has 
been so sanguine in these matters that he has made no advances 
worth mentioning in that Avay whatever may be reported, as to 
Smiths they are so necessary to them that they would readily 
admit them and indeed they were formerly allowed them in their 
villages at the Expense of the Government, & perhaps Carpen¬ 
ters might also be agreable for if these Mechanics were well 
inspected & Confined solely to their Trades, (which is a very 
difficult matter to effect) some of the Indians would doubtles be 
allured in a little time to apply themselves to Arts so usefull to 
themselves, & their proficiency in one or Two Arts, beyond 
which we should not go in the beginning would prepare them to 
receive others which at present are not necessary to their manner 
of Living—Tho’ farming would be a most necessary acquire¬ 
ment, and which I believe they may be brought to in Time. 
Yet I fear it cannot be attempted, such Arts as are necessary to 
their present mode of Life will not alarm them, but any that 
will tend to introduce a Change therein, must be deferred for a 
time, as there is nothing which they so much dread as the 
alienation of their peoples minds from those pursuits & Exercises 
by which alone they apprehend that their Liberties are preserved. 

I thank you for the political hints you gave me, and presume 
that by this time the Disposition of our Governor is better known, 
being inclined to think that he will not fall into the hands of any 
designing party. 

Before Closing my Letter M r Stuart arrived & delivered me 
your favor of the 23 d ult°. I had seen him before he w r ent for 
Orders, and believe him to be a discreet, sensible man, The 
Mohocks being now almost all abroad on their Winter hunt, He 
cannot enter upon his Mission with Effect for some little time 
he is to be Introduced to those that are at home immediately 
and I shall direct him in the means of beginning to acquire theij 
Language, without delay as it is so Essential to his Success, of 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


429 


which I have not the Least doubt'if Conducted properly to 
which end my advice and endeavors shall be always Chearfully 
bestowed. I have a few Lines by him from D 1 Burton wherein 
is mentioned the Societys approbation of and allowance to M 1 
Hall, to be fixed at Conojoharee until he has -taken Orders. The 
design is good, and I wish he was now there to enter upon it—I 
have built a handsome Church there at my own Expence 1 Tho’ 
I had been promised the assistance of others but the times did 
not admit of it, and as that village is equal in zeal & attachment 
to the Mohocks and is 30 miles farther up the Country, M r Halls 
establishment & success there will contribute greatly to enlarge 
the design of the plan, and to point out its benefits to the public, 
which so soon as these persons are properly Seated and have 
acquired a share of the Language and Confidence of the Indians, 
may be so far Extended as to comprehend all that can be wished 
for, to form one vast & Generous design. 

It is extremely probable that a War with Spain is not very 
distant, and indeed I believe it is Covetted by many people but 
Spain will have powerfull alliances, and without great Care 
France, may give us fresh trouble in America, particularly thro’ 
the Influence they still retain over so many Indian Nations. I 
am much obliged to the worthy D r Johnson for his kind remem¬ 
brance and sincerely wish him all happiness. My Son, who 
desires his Complements to you purposes to visit N York soon 
Col: Johnson also desires to be kindly remembered, and be 
assured that I am always with perfect regard 

Dear Sir &c. 

The Rev d M r . Cha s Inglis. 

1 An account of monies expended by JohnDanl. Muller in building a Church 
at Canajohary, for the use of the Indians by the direction of the Honble Sir 
William Johnson. £459.1 11. 


430 


PAPERS RELATING TCfc 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO ARTHUR LEE ESQ., M. D. F. R. S. 1 

ON THE CUSTOMS, MANNERS AND LANGUAGES OF THE INDIANS. 

Johnson hall Feby 28*b 1771. 
Sir, 

I should be wanting in duty to the public if I withheld from 
a Gentleman of D r Lee’s Character any information I am capable of 
affording on the subject of y r Letter wch thro’ my Absence from 
home havg been some time in the Ind. Country & since entirely 
occupied with affairs of a public nature, it was not in my power 
to ans r till now. 

I am only apprehensive that any account in my power 
respecting such enquirys amongst the unlettered Indians will- 
pro ve inadequa te to the Expectations formed in your Letter, not¬ 
withstanding my long residence in this country, [“ ol more than 
thirty eight years,”] the Nature of my office and the most diligent 
enquirys into these curious particulars, I find all researches of 
that sort for reasons which I shall give presently involved in 
such difficultys & uncertainty as to afford but slender satisfac¬ 
tion. At least far short of my inclination to gratify your desire 
thereon—however I shall endeavor to make some attonement 
by giving you some acc 1 of these difficulties together with such 

1 Arthur Lee was born in Virginia on the 20th Dec. 1740. He was sent at an 
early age to Eton, and afterwards to the University of Edinburgh, where he ob¬ 
tained his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1764. He returned to his native 
country where he practised his profession for a short, period, but soon went 
to London and entered the Temple with a view of being called to the bar. 
Here he became the associate or correspondent of the principal literary and 
scientific men of the day, and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. Pre¬ 
vious to the Revolution, he acted as agent in England for the Provinces of Massa* 
chusetts and Virginia, and in that capacity acquitted himself as a zealous add 
sound friend of American liberty. In 1776, he was appointed, conjointly with 
Dr. Franklin and Silas Deane, Commissioners to France on the part of the United 
States, and assisted in negotiating the Treaty between these countries. He re¬ 
turned to America in 1780 and in 1784 was appointed one of the Commissioners 
to treat with the Six Nations. He executed this trust at Fort Schuyler, (now 
Rome, Oneida Co.) with much credit. He died, unmarried, Dec. 12, 1792, 
aged nearly 52 years. He was a distinguished scholar, and a statesman, rigid in 
principle and unsullied in integrity. His life by R. H. Lee, was published in 2 
yds. 8vo. in 1829.— Ed. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


431 


other hints as from the motives of enquiry suggested in your 
Letter may I flatter myself prove of some little use, or amuse- 
men to you. 

It will be unnecessary to Inlarge on the want of Laws, 
Government, Letters or such other particulars as are to be found 
in most authors who have treated of the N. Amer n Indians. 
These are general observations as generally known To shew 
wherein they are defective and to acco 1 for, by sett? forth the 
present state of the sev 1 Indian Nations is a subject of greater 
importance it will lead to other matters more Interesting. 

I must therefore observe that the customs and manners of the 
Indians are in sev 1 cases liable to changes, which have not been 
thoroughly considered by authors and therefore the description 
of them (as is usual) at any one particular period must be 
insufficient, and I must furth r premise that I mean to confine 
my observations to those of Northern Nations with whom I have 
the most acquaintance and intercourse. 

In all inquiries of this sort, we should Distinguish between 
the more remote Tribes & those Ind n3 who from their having 
been next to our settlem ts for sev 1 years, k relying solely on oral 
Tradition for the support of their Ancient usages, have lost 
great part of them, k have blended some with Customs amongst 
ourselves, so as to render it Extremely difficult, if not impossi¬ 
ble to Trace their Customs to their origin or to discover their 
Explication. Again, Those Indians who are a degree farther 
removed havff still a good deal of Intercourse with our Traders 
and ha vs altered their system of Politicks, tho’ they still retain 
many Ancient Customs, they are much at a Loss to account for 
them, whilst those who are far removed from any intercourse 
with the whites (a few Traders excepted) are still in possess 11 
of the greatest part of their primitive usages tho’ they cannot 
give a satisfactory acc 1 of their original signification, and have so 
blended the whole with fable, as to render it matter of great 
difficulty to Separate the Truth from it, add to this that above 
a Century ago they had French Jesuits amongst them, who partly 
for Religious purposes, but chiefly to serve particular ends in 
the Wars they often fomented, introduced some of their own 


432 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


inventions which the present generation confound with their 
ancient Ceremonies. 

So far as the remarks are Confined to the Confederacy of the 
6 Nat®. the Mohocks, who have long lived within our settlem 18 
come under the first predicament, tho’ greatly reduced in num¬ 
ber they are still the acknowledged Head of that Alliance, but 
in their present State they have less Intercourse with the Ind s & 
more w th us than formerly besides wch they are at present 
members of the Chh. of England, most of them read & sev 1 
Write very well, When therefore they subscribe an ordinary 
Deed, they frequently make use of a Cross, after the Example 
of the Illiterate amongst us & sometimes with their names ; but 
in things of much Consequence they usually delineate a Steel, 
such as is used to strike fire out of Flint, which being the 
symbol of their Nation, This Steel they call Canniah —& them¬ 
selves Canniungaes , but from hence, little can be deduced, as 
they had not the use of any instrument in that form before their 
Commerce with the Whites. 

The Tuscaroras I omit as they are a south 11 peeple not long 
introduced into the Alliance making the 6 nat n . 

The Oneidas who inhabit the Country a little beyond the 
settlements, are in the next Class for altho’,some efforts have been 
made to Civilize and Christianize them, a great part are still in 
the primitive way, but being also reduced in numbers & their 
political system much changed, their Intercourse with the more 
remote Indians is lessened, and their knowledge of ancient 
usages decayed, They have in use [asj Symbols, a Tree, by 
which they w d Express Stability. But their true Symbol is a 
Stone called Onoya , and they call themselves Onoyuts a particu¬ 
lar Inst ce of wch I can give from an Expedt*1 w r ent on to Lake 
St. Sacrament in 1746, when to shew the Enemy the strength of 
our Ind ri Alliances I desired Each Nation to affix their Symbol 
to a Tree [to alarm] the French : the Oneydas put up a stone 
wch they painted Red. 

The Onondagas whose residence are 40. miles farther are 
somewhat better versed in the Customs of their ancestors, they 
call themselves people of the Great Mountain. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


432 


The Cayugas who are about the same distance beyond them, 
have for their Symbol a pipe. 

The Senecas are the most numerous & most distant of the six 
Nat* have sev 1 Towns & Symbols from wch however little can 
be understood, and leaving this Confederacy we shall find that 
the Nations to the North West tho they have their Symbols, 
they are not able to Explain to any degree of Satisfaction, for as 
they scatter, more in quest of a livelyhood they have not the same 
opportunitys or inclination to Cultivate & Explain oral Tradi¬ 
tion. To the South West the Indians are better versed in those 
matters but this is a field too large for w* I now propose, tho’ by 
other opportunitys I shall most willingly assist your Enquiries 
therein. 

[With respect to your questions concerning the chief magis¬ 
trate, or sachem, and how lie acquires his authority, &c. I am 
to acquaint you, that there is in every nation, a sachem, or chief,, 
who appears to have some authority over the rest, and it is 
greatest among the most distant nations. But in most of those 
bordering on our settlements, his authority is scarcely discerni¬ 
ble, he seldom assuming any power before his people. And 
indeed tins humility is judged the best policy; for wanting coer- 
cive power, their commands would perhaps occasion assassina¬ 
tion, which sometimes happens. The sachems of each tribe are 
usually chosen in a public assembly of the chiefs and w r arriors, 
whenever a vacancy happens by death.or otherwise; they are 
generally chosen for their sense and bravery, from among the 
oldest warriors, and approved of by all the tribe; on which they 
are saluted sachems. There are however several exceptions; 
for some families have a kind of inheritance in the office, and 
are called to this station in their infancy. 

The chief sachem* by some called the king, is so, either by 
inheritance, or by a kind of tacit consent, the consequence of 
his superior abilities and influence. The duration of his author¬ 
ity depends much on his own wisdom, the number and conse¬ 
quence of his relations, and the strength of his particular tribe. 
But even in those cases where it descends, should the successor 
appear unequal to the task, some other sachem is sure to possess 
himself of the power and the duties of the office. I should 

Vol. iv 28 


434 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


have observed, that military services are the chief recommenda¬ 
tions to this rank. And it appears pretty clearly, that hereto¬ 
fore the chief of a nation had, in some small degree, the author¬ 
ity of a sovereign. This is now the fact among the most remote 
Indians. But as, since the introduction of fire arms, they no 
longer fight in close bodies, but every man is his own general, 
I am inclined to think this has contributed to lessen the power 
of a chief This chief of a whole nation has the custody of the 
belts of wampum, &c. which are as records of public transac¬ 
tions: he prompts the speakers at all treaties, and proposes 
affairs of consequence. The chief sachems form the grand 
council; and those of each tribe often deliberate on the affairs 
of their particular tribes. All their deliberations are conducted 
with extraordinary regularity and decorum. They never inter¬ 
rupt him who is speaking; nor use harsh language, whatever 
may be their thoughts. The chiefs assume most authority in 
the field, but this must be done, even .there, with great caution; 
as a head warrior thinks himself of most consequence in that 
place. 

The Indians believe in, and are much afraid of witchcraft: 
those suspected of it are therefore often punished with death. 
Several nations are equally severe on those guilty of theft, a 
crime indeed uncommon among them; but in cases of murder, 
. the relations .are left to take what revenge they please. In 
general, they are unwilling to inflict capital punishments, as 
these defeat their grand political object, which is, to increase 
their numbers by all possible means. 

On their haunts, as on all other occasions, they are strict 
observers of meum and tuum; and this from principle, holding 
theft in contempt; so that they are rarely guilty of it, though 
tempted by articles of much value. Neither do the strong 
attempt to seize the prey of the weak; and I must do them the 
justice to say that, unless heated by liquor, or inflamed by 
revenge, their ideas of right and wrong and their practices in 
consequence of them, would, if more known, do them much 
honour. It is true, that having been often deceived by us in 
the purchase of lands, in trade, and other transactions, many 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


435 


of them begin now to act the same part. But this reflects most 
on those who set them the example. 

As to your remark on their apparent repugnance to civiliza¬ 
tion, I must observe, that this is not owing to any viciousness 
of their nature, or want of capacity; as they have a strong 
genius for arts, and uncommon patience. I believe they are 
put to the English schools too late, and sent back too soon to 
their people, whose political maxim, Spartan like, is to discoun¬ 
tenance all pursuits but war, holding all other knowledge as 
unworthy the dignity of man, and tending to enervate and 
divert them from that warfare on which they conceive their 
liberty and happiness depend. These sentiments constantly 
instilled into the minds of youth, and illustrated by examples 
drawn from the contemptible state of the domesticated tribes, 
leave lasting impressions: and can hardly be defeated by an 
ordinary school education. 

I wish my present leisure would allow me to give you as many 
specimens of their lanuage as would shew that, though not very 
wordy, it is extremely emphatical; and their style adorned with 
noble images, strong metaphors, and equal in allegory to many 
of the Eastern nations. The article is contained in the noun by 
varying the termination ; and the adjective is combined into one 
word. Thus of Echin , a man, and Gowana , great, is formed 
Echingoivnjifi , a great man. Caghyunghaw is a creek; Caghyungha , 
a river. Caghyunghaowana , a great river, Caghyungheeo , a fine 
river. Haga the inhabitants of any place, and tier ham the 
morning; so, if they speak of eastern people, they say 7 ierhans-aga 
or people of the morning. Eso is expressive of a great quantity, 
and Esogee is the superlative. The words Goronta and Golota 
which you mention are not of the Six nations, but of a Southern 
language. It is curious to observe, that they have various modes 
of speech and phrazes peculiar to each age and sex, which they 
strictly observe. For instance, a man says, ’when he is hungry, 
Cadagcariax , which is expressive both of his w r ant and of the 
animal food he requires to supply it; whilst a child says, in the 
same circumstances, Cautsore , that is, I require spoon meat.] 

There is so remarkable a difference in the Language of the 
Five nations, from all the rest as affords some grounds for 


436 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


enquiring into their distinct Origin, for the Indians north of the 
S l Lawrence those West of the Great Lakes with the few who 
inhabit the Sea Coasts of New England, & those again who live 
about the Ohio notwithstanding the respective distances between 
them Speak a language Radically the same k can In gen 1 com¬ 
municate their Wants to each other; Whilst the Nations who 
live in the midst of them, are Incapable of Conveys a Single.Idea 
to their neighbours, neither can they pronounce a Word of their 
lang£ e with correctness. There is indeed some difference of 
Dialect amongst the 5 nations themselves, but this is little more 
than may be found in the Provinces of large States in Europe. 

In particular the letters M and P which Occurs so frequently 
In the Languages of the rest, cannot be pronounced by the 5 
nations without the utmost difficulty, & are not in their language. 

But to proceed to what I have before proposed. The Indians 
taken Collectively did Certainly a few Centurys ago live under 
some more Order k Gov 1 than they do at present—this may seem 
odd, but it is the Truth for their Intercourse in gen 1 being with 
the Lower Class of our Traders they learn little from us but 
Vices, k Their long Wars together with the Immoderate use of 
Spirituous Liquors have so reduced them as to render that ord r 
well was first instituted unnecessary k impracticable. Add to 
this that since the reduction of Canada, their System of politicks 
is changed, Their Eyes are upon us, whom they consider as a 
people too formidable, k much of their Time is much spent in 
Intrigues of State to wch other matters have given place. 

But tho it does not appear that they had the use of Letters 
yet the traces of Government may still be seen, and there is 
reason to believe that they made use of Hieroglyphics Tho 
(hey Neglect them at present, for Hieroglyphicks are understood 
to be figures, intended to conceal somewhat from the Vulgar, 
But tbeirs are drawn to the utmost of their skill to represent 
the thing intended, for Instance, when they go to War, they paint 
some trees with the figures of men, often the exact number of 
their party, and if they go by Water, they delineate a Canoe, 
when they make any achievement, they mark the Handle of 
their Tomahawks with human figures to signify prisoners, bodies 
without heads to express scalps. The figures which they affix to 


E SIX NATIONS. 


437 


Deeds, have led some to imagine that they had Characters or an 
Alphabet. The case is this, every Nation is divided into a 
Certain Number of Tribes, of which some have 3. as the Turtle, 
Bear & Wolf, to well others add the Snake, Deer, &ca, each of 
These Tribes form a Little Community within the Nation, and 
as the Nation has its peculiar Symbol so each Tribe has the 
peculiar Badge from whence it is denominated, and a Sachem 
of each Tribe being a necessary party to a fair Conveyance such 
Sachirn affixes the Mark of the Tribe thereto, wch is not that 
of a particular family (unless the whole Tribe is so deemed) but 
rather as the publick Seal of a Corporation. 

As this Letter is already of an Immoderate Length, I shall 
only at present add, that with respect to the Deed of 1726, of 
wch you sent me the Signatures, The Transaction was in some 
measure of a partial nature, wch I can another time Explain. All 
the Nations of the Confed c y did not Subscribe it, and those Chiefs 
that did neglec ted to pay due regard [to] their proper Symbols, 
but signed agreeable to fancy, of which I have seen other 
Instances, altho’ the manner I have mentioned is the most 
authentic and agreeable to their orig 1 practise. 

As to the information wch you observe I formerly Transmitted 
to the Gov r of N. York concerning the belt & 15 Bloody Sticks 
sent by the Mississagaes, The like is very Comon and the Ind* 
use Sticks as well to Express the alliance of Castles as the 
number of Individuals in a party, These Sticks are generally ab 4 6 
Inches in length & very slender & painted Red if the Subject is 
War but without any peculiarity as to Shape. Their belts are 
mostly black Wampum, painted red when they denote War they 
describe Castles sometimes upon them as square figures of White 
Wampum, & in Alliances Human figures holding a Chain of 
friendship, each figure represent? a nation,an axe is also sometimes 
described wch is always an Emblem of War, The Taking it up is a 
Declaration [of war] and the burying it a token of Peace, But as I 
have accounted tor not entering into farther particulars at present, 
I shall conclude w th assuring you that if these loose remarks prove 
of any use to you, I shall readily descend to any other matters of 
Information that may demonstrate how much I am Sir &c. 

Note.— The portions of the above letter included within [ ] are taken from 


438 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REVD. MR. BARTON. 

Johnson hall Feby 28 th 1771. 

Dear Sir, 

Your kind letter of last July would not have remained so long 
unanswered, had it not been mislaid for some time after a late 
tedious Indisposition. I am fully persuaded that you would 
have answered the One I formerly wrote you, but we must 
expect that some letters will miscarry, of which I have met with 
many Instances nearer home. 

Iam unable to make a Suitable return for the Warm Wishes 
you Express for me, but I feel them very sensibly, and you have 
every thing in Answer that the strongest friendship can dictate, 
and I cannot but greatly regret your distance & the peculiarity 
of your situation which deprives me of the opportunity of a 
more friendly intercourse, often Wishing that you could partake 
in the pleasing prospects which this Country now affords from 
the advancement of religion, and the Improvements in Cultivation. 

M r Stewart has been for some time at his mission where lie is 
much Esteemed not only by the Indians but by the Dutch 
Inhabitants who constantly resort to his Church his situation 
enables me to see him often, and I have great hopes from his 
appointment, M r Hall 1 has an allowance from the Society and 
is to reside at Canajoharie (where at my Cost I have built a 
handsome Church) until he is ot age to take Orders M r Andrew s, 
who has brought over a Wife, is long since at Schenectady, he is 
sensible, and will I believe be of great use there being Connected 
With a principal Inhabitant of that place his Congregation is as 

the abridged Philos. Trans, of the Royal Soc : of London, XII. 407-409. They 
were added, we presume, to the final Copy sent to England, as they are not in 
the original draught which we follow for the other portions of the letter. We have 
taken the liberty to insert them, with this explanation, in order to furnish to the 
reader all Sir Wm. Johnson’s observations on this interesting subject. 

1 Graduated at Philadelphia Coll, and was sent to Canajoharie to learn the 
Indian language, “ that he may be qualified to be Catechist and Schoolmaster in 
that place untill such time as he shull be able to come over to take orders and bo 
appointed a missionary V—Abstract for 1771 His Salary was £40. He remain 
ed there only a year. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


439 


yet small but zealous, & likely to Increase. The only mission 
in this Quarter as yet unsupplied is mine at Johns Town, the 
Church at which being small & very ill built I am preparing 
Stone & materials for Erecting one much stronger and larger, 
that will accomdate near 1000 Souls. 

I am sorry you did not see my Letter to D r Smith I do assure 
you that, I thought seriously of your desire respecting a piece 
of Land, but as there was none to be had in such a situation as 
to make it imediately of any value, & as the Patent fees & Quit 
rent is so very high here I Judged it imprudent to engage you 
in what must be Imediatefy attended with a good deal of Ex¬ 
pense, and might lye as a dead Charge on you for many Years, 
because so many large Tracts are Patented which the owners do 
not know what to do with and which affords Choice to settlers 
at very low rates. I hope by this time that the Connecticutians 
are pretty easy and that you are reinstated in your places in the 
New Purchase, but whether, or not I am in nowise apprehensive 
that you want Philosophy enough to support Losses, you could 
not^ive such a Chearful Description of your agreable Home¬ 
stead unless you were superior to Disappointments, I hope you 
will allways Continue so, but I am much more inclined to Wish 
that you may never Experience any in future, for I can with 
Great Truth affirm that no one wishes for your happiness with 
greater Cordiallity than Dear Sir 

Your most affect te 

& very humble Servt. 

The Rev d M r Barton 

Sir John. Col Johnson &c desire to be particularly remembered 
to you.—I need not repeat my desire to hear from you, when¬ 
ever it suits with your Conveniency. 


440 


PArERS RELATING TO 


I 

SIR W M JOHNSON TO REVD MESSRS COOPER & OGILVIE 

Johnson hall, March 1 st 1771. 

Worthy Sirs. 

I have received your Joynt favor of the 18 th ult°. Concerning 
the Rev d M r . Griffith 1 whom I perfectly recollect to have made 
me a visit about the time you mention. That Gentleman was I 
think then accompanied by M 1 ' Brown one of the principal 
Friends of the Church in Schenectady, and had some tolerable 
offers made to him in Case he inclined to that Mission & which 
were far superior to what may be expected from Glocester ac¬ 
cording to the description I have of it. however these offers he 
then thought proper to decline, and indeed seemed to think them 
inadequate to his views and^expectations. Since which I have 
heard that he was appointed to the Mission which he has lately 
left Whatever objections, on account of his family, or otherwise 
might have induced him to reject Schenectady must Certainly 
operate in as high a degree against this place, as it is not only 
more retired, but must in some degree depend upon myself, I am 
therefore at a Loss what to say in favor of that Gentleman’s 
present Desire as well from the Circumstances I have mentioned, 
as from the Expectation I have of a Missionary for this place 

1 Itev.DAViDGRiFFiTH, D.D. went to England for orders in 1770. On being or. 
dained he returned to this country with an appointment as Missionary to Glocester, 
N. J. He relinquished this mission however, soon after, and moved into Virginia. 
In July 1776, he was appointed Chaplain and Surgeon to the 3d. Virg : Batalion: 
he being a person of “ uncommon merit.” (Amer: Arch: 5th Ser. i. 1588.) 
After the peace, we find him pastor of the parish of Fairfax, Va. of which State 
he was elected Bishop in 1786, but he was never consecrated. Owing to his 
poverty and the deranged state of his private affairs, he was unable to proceed to 
England for consecration. In 1789 he resigned the office, and on the 3d August 
of that year he died in Philadelphia, at the residence of the Bishop of Penn., 
having come to that city as a delegate to the Episcopal Convention. “In his 
feelings and conduct” (says Dr. Hawks.) “he was thoroughly American; he 
thought the Colonies wronged by the Mother Country, and throughout the 
struggle for Independence, he advocated their cause. He had deliberately cast in 
his lot with the great majority of his countrymen, and in the alternations of storm 
and of sunshine, through which they passed in the achievement of their liberties, 
he was ever found true to his principles. When he died the church lost a useful 
and a worthy man.” Ed. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


441 


in consequence of a former Letter from D r Burton who promised 
to have enquiry made (in case none Could be had from England) 
for some person of Zeal & Piety who has received a Collegiate 
Education at Dublin. 

I have pleasure to acquaint you that Mess rs Steward and 
Andrews, are mucli esteemed, and will I persuade myself greatly 
promote Religion in these parts, and when aided by the appoint¬ 
ments of Disinterested, and Indefatigable Men for this Mission 
k Conajoharee will much advance Christianity in Gen 1 and the 
Church of England in particular. 

I am, with true esteem 

Gentlemen kc 

Mess 18 Cooper & Ogilvie. 

P. S. The great regard which I shall always pay to your 
Judgment k recommendation obliges me to observe that I drew 
my observations from what passed with respect to the Schenec¬ 
tady Mission, In which I may have been mistaken, for I have no 
objection to M r Griffiths Character or abilities, neither can I 
have any when supported by authority that have so much weight 
with me. 


SIR mi JOHNSON TO REVD CHS INGLIS. 

Johnson hall March 27 ll > 1771. 

Good Sir, 

I have had the favor of yours of the 8th Inst, and I thank 
you as well for the particulars you Communicated to me, as for 
the kind manner in which your friendship has Induced you to 
speak of myself on the Subject I have so much at heart. 

I am persuaded from D r Burtons Letter that the Society woul(^ 
willingly do all in their power, for carrying so important a plan 
into Execution, and Esteem it an honor to receive so many 
assurances of their favorable opinion of my little endeavors. 
But. I have great Reason to apprehend that the Generality of the 
men of Rank are but Cool in matters of Religion, otherwise, I 




*142 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


should think that a plan of that sort would come with great 
Weight & strict propriety from His Grace of Canterbury, or the 
Bishop of London, in their Ecclesiastick Capacity, and I am 
really concerned at reading that part where you say That similar 
applications from the Society first, have been frequently post¬ 
poned and neglected because it is a proof that my apprehensions 
are but too well founded otherwise I cannot see why a Religious 
Society in which are some of the Greatest Men in England should 
not meet With all Imaginable Countenance on any Religious 
Subject, where the Object appeared so meritorious, whilst every 
species of Dissenters finds favor, and Support on the application 
of the meanest Engines that can be found out—This extraordi¬ 
nary lukewarmness in matters of this nature, may I believe in 
some measure be attributed to the peculiar cast of Modern poli¬ 
ticks, It being first forged by the Dissenters & echoed'by every 
Scribler, as now to be too generally believed, That the Mission¬ 
aries busy themselves mostly in Converting worthy & pious Dis¬ 
senters, and that these pious people will be alarmed. 

I remember to have read of a king of France, forbidding a 
neighbouring state to build a single Galley as his fleet was suffi¬ 
cient to scour their seas, and I am certain the Conduct of the 
Dissenters greatly resembles that of the Monarch, but that their 
power is as yet less than his. For those of Consequence amst 
them, tho’ many of them are Libertines in their sentiments, yet 
all of them are strongly interested in whatever regards their 
profession, and in this Country they foresee that if the Estab¬ 
lished Church is encouraged, its Comeliness may with 1 much 
Efforts of our Missionaries draw many of their people to it as 
well as regain sev 1 of its old Members who for want of any 
other places of Worship in some parts have become Dissenters, 
But as Pride & policy forbid their discovering the True Causes, 
they affect apprehensions that our Church may pursue unwar¬ 
rantable measures to acquire a Dominion over their tender Con¬ 
sciences and In America presume even to take offence at any ad¬ 
ditional Establishments in our fav r . That Their party is not to 
be disobliged at all In England seems to be a maxim amongst 
the Great, which is a plain Confession of the strength of their 
Union, Whilst from this Country, they endeavor to persuade 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


443 


men in power of the general prevalence of their opinions, and 
the great Dread of a people Jealous of their Rights who fled 
from Religious persecution. Tho’ in truth they can boast of no 
superiority if the members of the Church, The Foreign Protes¬ 
tants, Quakers &c. are taken together as they may be for these 
have no design agt us, Do not in fact Joyn them in opinion or 
entertain any apprehensions so Injurious to the Clili of England, 
so that as I formerly observed this artfull false representation 
should be enlarged on at home, and Eradicated for untill that is 
done I do not see much prospect of encouragement, and I 
believe the great are so much afraid of the imputation of being 
priest ridden, that they dare not give the Church that Counten¬ 
ance, or the injoyment of all its rights and Ceremonies, which is 
so highly necessary k reasonable in a Land of Liberty accord? 
to the Dissenters own arguments, if the members of our Church 
are allowed to have any Conscience at all. 

I have, already wrote to Lord Hillsborough (to whom my 
Correspondence is now Confined) & have fully stated my opinion 
on the Relig 3 wants and desires of the Ind 8 and I believe it would 
be deemed out of my way to urge it farther by sending him,a plan 
before he answers that part of my Letter thd’ rather than it sho J 
fail thro’ any neglect of mine I would do it. 

I cannot think that the plan can be in better hands, or prepared 
so well by any other than a Gentleman of your abilities and zeal, 
and therefore I hope you’ll frame it yourself:—as to the motives 
to be enlarged on that should Induce Gov 1 to Countenance it, I 
think (ams 1 others) That it will have a happy Effect in removs 
many Circumstances of Jealousy & display? his Majestys tender 
regard for their future happiness, and this I assure you even 
those Ind s are capable of seeing who have never been Christian¬ 
ized :—In the next place It will make them Members of a 
Church which teaches an obedience to Supreme Authority & a 
reverence for Government, which are principles much Wanting 
among them, and as it will finally prove the means of their 
becoming members of Civil Society, so their being of the 
National Church will strengthen the Tye & add Weight to that 
Religion which In Justice k policy ought here to be promoted. 
Besides which It would, soon prove a means of alienating them 


444 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


from our Enemys, who constantly observe to them that we 
take no care of their salvation, k by the Proselytes they made 
to the Church of Rome were enabled to & yet may distress us 
greatly Add to this that it is perhaps the only opportunity for 
many reasons that ever may offer, which occurring in the Reign 
of a most virtuous & Pious Prince will reflect much Glory on 
his administration. 

I am glad to hear that since we are to have a new Gov r so 
suddenly, his Character appears so amiable as I find it does 
accords to the acc 1 of sev 1 Correspond 13 . 

I shall not fail to deliver y r message to Odeserundy which will 
make him happy and should you on some future occasion Write 
him 3 or 4 lines It would yield great Satisfaction to all the 
village. 

Between ourselves (for it shou d not be Comunicated to some 
people) I sho d tell you that the German Lutheran Minister at 
Stoneraby (a fine settlement near this) has Expresed a desire to 
me 4 of taking orders in our Church, k what is more Extraordi¬ 
nary his Whole Congregation desire to become members of the 
same This Shews what the chh might Expect with due Counte¬ 
nance I intend to mention this affair to D r Auchmuty to whom 
I beg my Complim ts k that you’ll acquaint him that I shall Write 
him by next post. 

The bad Weather came on so Suddenly after the Snow that 
S f John was disappointed of going down, he desires his kind 
Complem ,s as do Coll s Claus k Johnson, and I am allways with 
perfect Esteem D r Sir 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO REVD. DR. AUCHMUTY. 

Johnson hall April 4 th 1771. 

Good Sir 

I am Sorry to have remained so long in your debt as now at 
this distance of time to acknowledge the rest of your favor of 
the 23 rd Nov r last, soon after receiving your Letter both M r 
Stewart & Andrews arrived at their respective Missions where 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


445 


they afford promising hopes of advancing the Cause of Religion. 
I see M r Stewart frequently lie is learning the Indian language 
and Seems pleased with a Study so necessary to a man in his 
Situation. And he is much esteemed by the neighbouring White 
people who frequent his church, and even some of them have 
sollicited him to perform the rites of baptism and burial, tho* 
they have a Minister of their own Church. The Indians seem 
pleased & the School goes on very well. 

I cannot but think with you that there is however a Want of 
becoming zeal amongst many whose duty it is to promote the 
Interests of the Church, and to procure its members the full 
Enjoyment of all their rites & Ceremonies, to which they have 
surely an undoubted title. If other Denominations find free 
indulgence But as the neglects of Superiors in Church & State 
must be ascribed to the artifices of those who persuade Men in 
Europe that its Members here are few & Inconsiderable Such 
Notions must I believe be eradicated before much assistance can 
be Expected. 

D r Burton has not lately wrote me any thing material So that 
I know not what has been done, respecting my offer of land, or 
any other matter, perhaps the paquet now daily Expected may 
bring us something, on these heads. Whatever zeal we want is 
made up by the abundance of it amongst the Dissenters, who 
(tho many of them have as little Religion as any of their neigh¬ 
bours) Support their Cause- with all their strength, from maxims 
of policy, an Example which we should follow, If no other 
argument has sufficient force. 

The prospect which is at present afforded in this increasing 
Country is so great that, I hope when Men in power are more 
disengaged from Domestic Concerns, they may turn their Eyes 
to America, and without any attempts on the Consciences of 
other Men, endeavor to Strengthen the National Church. But 
this point cannot be long neglected otherwise it will never 
answer. I desired our friend M r Inglis to mention a Circumstance 
concerning Religion here that I think you ought to know. The 
Lutheran Minister at Stoneraby has lately in a voluntary Manner 
without any previous Arguments to Induce him thereto desired 
to take orders in the Church of England, and what is much more 


446 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Strange, It is tlie desire of his Congregation that he should do 
so. The great difficulty is That, they will'be without a Minister 
during his absence, and that it will be attended with an Expence 
which from their great Occonomy, they do not chuse to Incurr, 
Especially as they have some Charitable Establishments amongst 
themselves, that are Chargeable.—If therefore any thing could 
be fallen upon, or that the Society would take it into Considera¬ 
tion, and that at the same time it Could be Carried through 
without making much noise, It would add the Majority of Inha¬ 
bitants of a very fine Settlement to the Church, and as they are 
Foreigners must strengthen their allegiance to Gov’t. I shall be 
glad to have your thoughts on this and Am all ways with true 
regard 

I) r Sir &c 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REVD. DR. AUCPIMUTY, 

CONCERNING THE REVD MR HANNA OF SCHENECTADY. 

« Johnson-hall May 24 th 1771. 

Good Sir, 

I wrote to you the 4th of last Month, and amongst other things 
mentioned the affair of the Lutheran Minister near this place 
since which I have been applied to by M r W m Hanna of Sche¬ 
nectady who was formerly a Presbyterian Minister at Albany, 
since which, he lias practised the Law in this County, and now 
expresses an ardent desire to take Orders in the Church of 
England and become a Missionary, he has entreated me to 
befriend him in his application and delivered me the Originals 
together with a Copy which I now inclose you of Sundry Testi¬ 
monials In favor of his Abilities & Character.—he complains that 
the Presbyterians who had a great esteem for him whilst he was 
their pastor are since warm against him, & he professes much 
Zeal & inclination for the Church of which he says he formerly 
would have become a member but for the prejudices ag l it which 
his father entertained. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


447 


I thought it best to Lay the matter before you, who may have 
it in your power to make necessary enquirys concerning him, & 
who can best Judge whether he deserves encouragement under 
these Circumstances, as my acquaintance with him, or his conduct 
will not enable me to be more particular. 

I am just finishing my post Letters so can only add at present 
that I am always with truth and regard, 

Dear Sir &c 

The Rev d D Auchmuty. 


REVD. MR. HANNA’S TESTIMONIALS. 

Schenectady May 6 th 1771. 

To all whom it may Concern, the Bearer W m Hannah lived 
several Years under my Inspection & read the Latin & Greek 
Classicks under my Tuition : has taught the Latin for the Space 
of a Year past & began to teach the Greek Classicks to the good 
acceptance of his Imployers; k as he lias well acquited himself 
in the Former, I doubt not his Capacity to teach the Later upon 
Due Preelection to which I expect he will be naturally Inclined 
he is Sober & Regular as to his moral Character certified at 
Nottingham Octo 2 d 1756 by 

S. Finley. 

That the Bearer hereof William Hanna assisted me in teaching 
Greek k Latin more than a year conducted inoffensively & 
Soberly, was faithful in his Business & behaved to the good 
acceptance both of Employers & Scholars and I doubt not if he 
is employed in teaching again but he will deserve the same 
Character is certified at Pequea February 19 1757 

p r Robt Smith V. D. M. 

Philad* March 10 1759. 

This is to certify that the Bearer M r William Hannah was 
regularly admitted unto the Jersey College at Prince-Town 
behaved himself soberly while in it, & applyed himself diligently 
to his Studies and had passed one Examination for a Degree with 



418 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


the approbation of the Trustees & would have been admitted to 
the Honours of the College had he attended at the Commencement 
last; For lie left the College only for a Season by Permission of 
the authority of it, & was as well Qualified to stand a second 
Examination as any one of his Class who were all admitted 
without Exception. So that the only reason of his not geting a 
Degree was his absence he was free of all College Censure 
Certified per John Ewing. 

New York May 8 1759 

This is to Certify that M r John Ewing was Tutor of the Jersey 
College at Princetown last year I the Subscriber being his Pupil. 

Peter Rt Livingston 1 

4 This -may certify that M r William Hannah is a member of the 
church of Christ in Salisbury in full Communion & in Regular 
Standing & as such is recommended to Occasional or stated 
communion in the Church of Christ wherever Providence ma} r 
call him Testes Jonathan Lee Pastor of said Church May 24th 
1760. 

At a meeting of the Association of Litchfield County in Sharon 
on Wednesday May 28 A D 1760 M r William Hanna B. A. 
offered himself to Examination in Order to obtain Licence to 
Preach the Gospel, who was accordingly examined & this Asso¬ 
ciation having examined him according to our Stated Rules look 
upon him competently Qualified to Preach the Gospel & accord¬ 
ingly the said William Hanna is hereby Licensed to Preach the 
Gospel under the Conduct & Direction of this Association & do 
recommend him accordingly wishing he may be useful to the 
Churches examined and attested per 

Jonathan Lee Scribe. 

1 Col. Peter R. Livingston, son of Robert third proprietor of the Manor of 
Livingston, was born May 8th 1737, and married Margaret, daughter of James 
Livingston, merchant of New-York. He was elected to represent the Manor in 
the Provincial Assembly in 1761, 1768, and again in 1774. At the breaking out 
of the Revolution he adhered, with other members of the family, to the side of 
American liberty, and in 1776 was chosen president of the Provincial Convention 
as well as chairman of the committee of. safety, and was employed in other 
departments of the public service. He died 15th Novr., 1794, aged 57 years 
His sister Mary married Hon. James Duane.—E». 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


449 


These are to certify, that the Rev d William Hanha was 
regularly appointed to the Pastoral Care of this flock : that he 
performed the Ministerial Functions for the space of about 5 
years amongst us ; and mentained an unblemished Moral & Re¬ 
ligious character during his incumbancy ; but as lie has lately 
taken a civil Commission from the Governor which we apprehend 
must naturally call off his attention from his Pastoral Duties : 
and as it is not customary for any Minister in our Church to bear 
a Civil office. We do therefore humbly pray that it would please 
the Presbytery to grant us a Dismission from the Reverend M r 
William Hanna which We are the Moore Incouraged to hope for, 
as he has promised unanimously to concur with us in the same 
Request Signed Jointly by the Elders of the English Presbyterian 
Church in Albany. 

John McCrea 1 
John Munro 3 
Robt. Henry. 

July 9th 1767 

A true Copy Joseph Peck Clerk taken at the Request o 
M r Hanna the Presbytery Papers on file. 


REV. DR. AUCIIMUTY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

New York June the 11* 1771. 

Worthy Sir, 

[ deferr’d answering your favor of April the 4 th , in hopes of 
having some Letters from the Society concerning your generous 
offer, or other business of consequence, to communicate to you. 
I have at length received two, one from the Bishop of London, 

1 Col. John McCrea. was the brother of the celebrated, though unfortunate 
Jane'McCrea. He removed in 1773 to the town of Northumberland, Saratoga 

' Co. 

2 This gentleman removed afterwards to -Vermont. 


VOL. IV. 


29 



450 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


and oiie from Dr. Burton, both relating to one subject only; 
which shows the low state of their Finances, and effectually 
shuts the Door against future applications. The D r in his 
letter says, 

“ It would give the Society a very sincere pleasure, if they 
were able to return a satisfactory answer to the several recojn- 
mendations which they receive, and make a suitable allowance 
to the persons recommended: But having already gone to the 
very utmost of our abilities, and even beyond them, we are now r 
under the necessity of giving refusals in several instances : For 
as I have said in other letters, if we go on to establish new 
missions, we shall soon have nothing left to suooort our old 
ones.” 

His Lordship of London is rather more explicit, on the sub¬ 
ject, for he says that u the State of the Society will not allow us 
to establish any new missions : The Expences increase daily, & 
far exceed our annual Income : It is hoped therefore that no 
persons will be sent over upon the presumption of new appoint¬ 
ments, which cannot possibly be comply’d with in our present 
circumstances.” 

These Letters effectually stop all future applications for new 
missions, which must greatly retard the Growth of the Church 
in America. 

The Lutheran minister you mention and his people would be a 
considerable aquisition to the Church, and some method if possi¬ 
ble should be fallen upon to send him home for ordination. If 
he is sensible and of a good character, I make no doubt but, 
upon being properly recommended, he would meet with assistance 
from the Bishops. But this he must not altogether depend upon. 
Suppose (if he and his people continue in the same mind) that 
you should be so good as to represent his Case to the Society, 
and though they wall not erect new missions, they may either as 
a public Body, or as private persons, who ought to promote the 
Interests of the Church, make him a present of as much as will 
defray his Expences : but this assurance should be obtained 
before he imbarks. I will also write in bis favor, and befriend 
him in every thing in my power. I would propose a subscrip¬ 
tion here for Him, but our people are so often called upon for 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


451 


their money, that I should be afraid to attempt it, As to the Diffi¬ 
culty of supplying his people with a minister in his absence I 
think that might in a great measure be obviated, by M r Stewart’s 
visiting them as often as he possibly can. perhaps M r Andrews 
may be induced to assist. 

Since the Receipt of your last of May the 4 th , I have informed 
myself as well as I have been able concerning the Gentleman 
you mentioned. His moral character formerly was very good ; 
but since he lias commenced Lawyer it is altered. Many dirty 
things are reported of him, which if true, must greatly hurt him. 
I have consulted with several of my Brethren on the Subject, 
some of them know him ; they are unanimous in thinking it 
will not do for us to recommend him for many reasons, which 
we can inform you of, if desired. If the Gentleman is, from a 
motive of Conscience desirous of taking the Gown, I then would 
recommend it to him to get recommendations to my Lord Balti¬ 
more, who can provide for him at a distance from his old Friends 
the Dissenters, who will be watching every opportunity to preju¬ 
dice him, and render abortive any usefulness he may attempt to 
be of. I am very certain it will never do for him to think of 
settling in these parts; neither would it do for the Clergy at 
present to take him by the hand not out of fear or regard for the 
Dissenters, but for fear of consequences which after a previous 
inquiry, naturally arise. 

Thus Sir I have freely and candidly given you my sentiments 
on the main Subjects of the two last Letters you honoured me 
with ; if they should appear satisfactory to you I shall be greatly 
pleased. 

Before I conclude, I must just observe to you that his Lordship 
of London Sc Dr. Burton are both silent with regard to an American 
Bishop ; arid indeed, such are the confusions at Home and 
Religion so little adverted to, that I see no prospect as yet of 
succeeding ; unless, the late applications of the Maryland clergy, 
backed by their Brethren of Virginia, which I have reason to 
think is now about taking place, should demand a little attention, 
and convince the ministry that the American clergy are deter¬ 
mined to pursue such steps as Conscience and loyalty suggest, 
till they succeed in what they have as Christians and dutiful 


452 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Subjects, an undoubted right to petition for. The Bishop of 
London informs me, that his Grace of Canterbury & himself in a 
very particular manner recommended to my Lord Dun more u the 
protection of the Church and Clergy in the province of New 
York.” You will doubtless conclude that he has taken great 
notice of the recommendation. 

I have the Honor to be (with great respect and sincere regard) 
Worthy Sir, 

Your much Obliged and most ob l serv 1 

Samuel Auchmuty. 

P. S. please to remember me to my little Brother, the Father 
of the Mohawks. It gives me great plea r to find that he is 
much esteemed & likes his present situation. 

Sir Wm Johnson. 


REVD. H. MUNlvO TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Albany June 25, 1771. 

Hon ble Sir, 

Having so favourable an opportunity, by my good Friend M r 
Joseph Brent, I beg Leave to present my best Respects to you 
& all the family, and to inform you, that the Rev d M r Inglis of 
New York has wrote you by me ; The Letter has been Sent by 
your Post, & I hope, is come safe to hand. You have heard, I 
understand, of some foolish people, that have been endeavouring 
to disturb the peace of my Congregation ; and am sorry to learn, 
that my Conduct in that affair, has not been represented to you 
in the most favourable light. The whole affair was so silly & 
ridiculous, that I did not think it worth while to trouble you 
with an account thereof. I intend soon however, to wait upon 
you Sir, at the Hall; till then I trust to your Candour, that you 
will Suspend any Judgement of the matter, till you hear my 
Story—audi et alteram partem.—I shall only mention at present, 
that my Congregation is in perfect peace, and Quietness ; not- 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


453 


withstanding any malicious Reports to the Contrary. I remain 
with great Esteem & Respect, Hon b,e Sir, 

Your most Obedient Servant. 

Harry Munro. 

To Sir William Johnson. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REVD. MR. INGLIS, 

RELATIVE TO HIS PLAN FOR CHRISTIANISING THE INDIANS. 

Johnson hall July 4 th 1771. 

Good Sir 

Your favor of the 25 th of May has been for some time in my 
hands, but I was prevented by business from answering it sooner, 
and Indeed I am as yet unable to do so as fully as I could wish. 

I very much approve of the plan you have laid dow T n for your 
Resign, as well as of the heads under which it is to be digested, 
as they will Amuse and Instruct, at the same time that they 
enforce the Arguments in favor of its particular object. The 
principal difficultys in the way of Christianizing the Indians 
does not depend on them, but remain with ourselves, First, The 
Want hitherto of a thorough knowledge of their Genius and 
Disposition, or of the proper means to be pursued, Secondly, 
the want of zeal and Perseverance, Sufficient for such an arduous 
undertaking which has often rendered many attempts abortive, 
and that where these Qualities have been found united (a3 amt 
some of the Dissenters) The possessors are not only deficient in 
knowledge and Capacity, but of a Gloomy Severity of manners 
totally disqualifying them from such a. Task. Thirdly, The 
Want of a Suitable fund that may enable the few otherwise 
fitting for the purpose to attempt it. 

That some may be found equal to the business I have no 
doubt, and from the Effects which the Religion of our Church 
produces on the Dispositions of its Members, It is most reasona¬ 
ble to think that such would be found amongst us, who would 
insinuate the principles of Christianity in a manner that would 



454 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


be more pleasing to the Indians and most likely To succeed, but 
this last is a remark entre nous, as possibly it would be furiously 
attacked—Tho’ Indeed you must Expect that any thing you can 
Write which will tend, to obstruct their Schemes, or to throw 
this important business into other hands, will meet with strong 
oppostion, and he bitterly answered. 

You propose, (and I think it will Illustrate your design) That 
one of your heads shall be a short Historical and Topographical 
account &,c as most pieces that have' appeared on this Subject 
are very deflective, and as none of them could when Written or 
from the then State of Information be Correct, It will greatly add 
to the merit of your Work to place these points in their true 
Light, but as this is a Work of difficulty, which Will require a 
very particular Information I should think it the safest to give 
a General Brief Sketch of it, which will sufficiently answer the 
design—The Conversion of the Indians would greatly Contribute 
to secure them to our Interest, and prove a means of Counter¬ 
acting the future designs of the French who certainly are very 
busy In sowing the seeds of discontent amongst the Ind 8 and 
will Continue to do Whilst they have any Intercourse, with any 
part of tire Continent.—Under the Circumstances which promise 
success to such an attempt at this time I am of opinion that our 
possessions of Canada does in some measure secure us from the 
Practices of popish Missionaries but not Effectually, which I 
think ought to be a Spun* to our Industry, For their being at 
present a Romish Bishop, and many Clergymen of that Church 
there, who take uncommon pains to preserve the Indians in the 
faith they were taught, and to gain proselytes, The Ind 8 who 
have any Intercourse therewith being like the rest naturally 
Captivated with pomp & Ceremony will allways be in danger till 
we have some Establishments that may Counterpoise the advan¬ 
tage they possess, and the assiduity of their endeavors The 
Capacity of the Indians for receiving knowledge, & Comprehend¬ 
ing Divine Truth is certainly not to be doubted, and as they 
have an Excellent Genius for Imitation, after they have received 
due Instruction in Christianity, they may be easily & insensibly 
Led to become Enamoured of the Arts of peace. 

They have been in some Measure & should allways be taught 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


455 


to place their Confidence in & Look up to his Majesty as their 
Common Father & Protector who is disposed to redress their 
grievances and to Contribute a portion of his Royal bounty and 
Authority to the making them happy ; His patronage of a plan 
calculated for their prosperity here & hereafter as it will be the 
strongest proof he can give them of his regard, so it will be the 
best Security for their allegiance. It has been the opinion of 
Government, that all affairs with them sho d pass thro’ one 
Clianell, to the Crown as the fountain, Si this plan on that Prin¬ 
ciple has a peculiar claim to the Royal Patronage from the ill 
Consequences which must attend the Leaving them Exposed, to 
the various Unsettled Tenets in Religion & Politicks with which 
an Extensive Country Abounds, which not only Lessens their 
Opinion of our Wisdom Si principles, but must abate their affec¬ 
tion for the Crown. 

I delivered your Letter to Odeserundy who was made very 
happy by the rect of it, and Expressed his most Grateful 
Acknowledgments I am now in the utmost hurry, having some¬ 
time since sent to call a few Chiefs of each Nation, in order to 
enquire into some Informations I rec d from the Southward, 300 
Ind s a much larger number than was required have accordingly 
come here,—Two days ago we entered upon business, In the 
midst of which I am now engaged, which will apologize for my 
not being able to add more at this time than that I am with the 
most perfect Esteem 

Dr Sir k c 

The Revd M r . Inglis. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE REV. DR. AUCHMUTY, 

ON THE SUBJECT OF THE RECEPTION OF A LUTHERAN AND A PRESBYTE¬ 
RIAN MINISTER INTO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. 

Johnson hall July 4^ 1771. 

Good Sir , 

I have been favored with your Letter of last month, which I 
am sorry to find does not contain any agreeable Intelligence from 




456 


PArERS RELATING TO 


London ; Indeed I do not believe the Societys funds will admit 
of their extending their bounty to, or establishing new Missions, 
but those which they have established are not all supplied with 
Missionaries, The Church of Canajoharee Seems intended by the 
allowance made to Mr. Hall and that at Johnstown is Established 
but both are still vacant tho’ from their situation if Supplied 
with Good Men they w d greatly Extend the Christian faith on 
this frontier, and prove a vast addition to the Church, which 
already begins to bear a respectable appearance in this Country, 
As for Johnstown, I can find no body for it, tho the Congrega¬ 
tion last Sunday to hear the Lutheran minister were upwards of 
500, of which 250 were Communicants. And Mr. Hall whose 
Sallary goes on, and who was to have been long since at Canajo- 
haree has not been since heard of, I think enquiries should be 
made about him and that he should be directed to go there 
according to the Expectations of the Society. 

In short we must make the most of the Missions already 
established till a more favorable period, and in the mean time 
make tryal of the Generosity of the people of England under 
the Countenance of the Bishops in favor of any farther Religious 
Establishments. 

I am intirely of your opinion with regard to the Lutheran 
Minister and shall after some further conversat n with him most 
willingly mention the affair in my Letters, and wmuld have you 
Do the same after you hear next from me to the end that some 
subscription may be set on foot or some assurance obtained 
previous to his undertaking it, to prevent disappointments, and 
indeed this point should be conducted in a private manner, to 
prevent the many obstructions that will be thrown in his Way 
by those to whom it v r ould prove disagreable—I should not have 
mentioned the other Gentleman, who was desirous of taking 
orders but at his particular entreaty and I have some reason to 
think that your Observations thereon are Extremely Just. 

I am inclined to hope that the Application you mention of the 
Maryland & Virginia Clergy, being an additional proof of the 
General Wishes of the American Clergy will Merit some atten¬ 
tion. I look upon that Establishment to be a Grand & Important 
object including in it almost every thing else which we should 


THE SIX NATIONS. 457 

never lose sight of, and I am persuaded that perseverance will at 
last obtain it. 

I am sorry the recommendat" of his Grace of Canterbury, & 
the Bishop of London, has met with so little notice from a certain 
quarter, which I understand to be the case from the close of 
your Letter, perhaps it is owing to his being of different Religious 
Sentiments, or to a total Indifference in these matters. 

D 1 . Auchmuty. 


REVD. MR. INGLIS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON 

ON THE SUBJECT OF HIS PLAN FOR CHRISTIANIZING THE INDIANS. 

New York, Aug 4 19, 1771. 

Worthy Sir, 

This moment I received the Society’s Sermon & Abstract for 
the present Year, k 1 tearing that M r Finn is just setting out 
for Schenectady, I send a Copy by him, & snatch a minute to 
write to you. 

The Sermon was preached by the justly celebrated Bishop 
Lowth, one of the first Characters in England for Erudition, 
Piety k Abilities. I observe with Pleasure that he has taken 
notice of the Plan we have now under Consideration ; which 
shews the Society’s attention is awake to this Business, & will be 
no bad Preparative for its going down with others. I also 
observe with singular satisfaction the just Compliment his Lord- 
ship pays you at page 2-1 of the Sermon, tho lie does not name 
you. In truth wdiat he says coincides exactly with what I have 
always thought & have often said. Providence seems to mark 
you out as the proper Instrument in its Hand, to civilise those 
poor savages, k bring them out of the Bosom of Heathen Dark¬ 
ness into the Fold of his blessed son; k I am confident that 
this will add Lustre to your memory amongst Posterity. Lustre 
superior even to that you have so justly k in so high a Degree 
acquired already in the Field. Such a Testimony from such a 
man as Bishop Lowth, in such an audience, k on such an occa- 



I 


458 PAPERS RELATING TO 

sion, must afford the most sensible satisfaction to a generous 
mind, & I sincerely congratulate you on it. 

I return you many thanks for your Letter of the 15 th of last 
month. It contains several useful Hints, of which I shall avail 
myself. I am really surprised that you should find Time to 
write so often, with such Perspecuity, k so much to the 
purpose, amidst such a multiplicity of Business. It shews a 
very clear Head, & a Turn for, as well as regular method of, 
doing Business. The memorial is almost finished. The contin¬ 
ual interruptions I daily meet with from parochial Duties & 
other matters have much retarded it. I can scarce ever sit at it 
two Hours at a time—several Days pass without being able to 
devote a single minute to it. However it will be done I hope 
in a Fortnight; k I shall then send it to you by some safe 
Conveyance. I have taken a good deal of Pains with it, & 
could I have consulted you on particular occasions, it had been 
better executed. However it will undergo your Correction. 
After retrenching many things, it will fill upwards of 30 Pages 
in Quarto. The Notice Bishop Lowth has taken of this affair 
gives me fresh spirits, & animates me with ardour to write wiiat 
yet remains. 1 have had a Hint lately of a Fund which would 
assist us in bearing the Expence of this Scheme; but as my 
intelligence is yet imperfect, I shall not trouble you witli it at 
present. I shall endeavor to gain more satisfactory Intelligence, 
& shall not fail of acquainting you with it immediately, if 
obtained. 

You have lately had a Sample of our late Right Honourable 
Governor 1 . From that Specimen you will be able to judge of 
the Man. At present we have a truly worthy Governor 2 . He 
is a Gentleman of excellent Sense, as you may see by the answers 
to the addresses presented to him ; his Life is most exemplary, 
& he is a warm Friend to Religion, to the Church of England k 
the Society. From his well known Character, I have not a 
Doubt but he would zealously second our Design ; k from private 
Information I learn that he has considerable Influence with Lord 
Hillsboro, which I presume will be increased by his late services 
in N. Carolina. For these Reasons, as w r ell as because the 
1 The Earl of Dunmore. 2 Got. Tryon. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


459 


Instructions delivered to our Governors contain an article 
expressly injoining them to find out Ways & Means for convert¬ 
ing the Savages, (which I use as an Argument for the Interposi¬ 
tion of Government in the present Case) I have been considering 
whether it might not be proper to consult Governor Tryon on 
this occasion, & engage him in the affair. You are the best 
Judge of this, & I would by no means do any Thing in it without 
consulting you. Be pleased to let me know your Sentiments ; & 
I shall punctually comply with your Directions. M r Tryon does 
not know any Tiling of the affair as yet. 

The topographical account of the Indian Country, as you justly 
observe, would require a very accurate knowledge of the 
Relater—much more accurate than I am master of. You will 
find I have only given a short & general Account, merely with 
a View to make the plan more intelligible in England. If you 
can inform me, I should be glad to know whether the Bishop of 
Quebec has Permission to ordain missionaries, & send them where 
he thinks proper. I take it for granted that he has ; but would 
chuse to be certain. The Articles of Capitulation, or of the 
Treaty of Peace afterwards, say nothing about it. 

My best Compliments wait on Sir John—& be assured 
you have the sincere Esteem & best wishes of, 

Worthy Sir, 

Your very affectionate & 
humble Serv* 

Charles Inglis. 

To Sir W m Johnson Baron 1 

P. S. It would give me much Pleasure to hear from you soon. 
Could a Map of the Country of the Iroquois be transmitted with 
the Memorial, pointing out the different Races there mentioned, 
I believe it would be of Service perhaps it would be difficult to 
procure this—I have several Maps by me, but they are all very 
imperfect. 


460 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


VOTE OF THE BOSTON PROPAGATION SOCIETY. 

At a meeting of the Commissioners of the Company for 
propagating the Gospel in New England & parts adjacent. 

The Governor having communicated at the last meeting of the 
Commissioners the Correspondence between him and Sir Will m 
Johnson in consequence of a vote of the 13 th May relative to the 
Journal of M r Kirkland, the Companys Missionary at Oneida : 
and M r . Kirkland being now in town k attending the Commis¬ 
sioners k inform’g them. That he had lately seen S William 
and had related to him those passages in his Journal to which 
the vote of the Board and the Governors letter in consequence 
thereof referred ; and had likewise acquainted him, that the 
whole of the matters which he had laid before the Board, he had 
represented as coming from the Indians ; which likewise appears 
from the Journal itself. And Sir William having express'd to 
M r . Kirkland his desire for the success of the Mission, the Board 
now think it proper to desire the Governor to give their thanks 
to Sir William for his kind expressions of regard contained both 
in his Letter to the Governor & in conversation with M r . 
Kirkland: and to desire the countenance of his favour and 
encouragement to the Mission. 

Copy A. Oliver. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO READ MR. KIRTLAND, 

DEMANDING A COPY OF HIS REPORT TO THE BOSTON COMMITTEE. 

Johnson hall Augt 22 d 1771. 
Sir, 

I have just received a Letter from Gov r Hutchinson inclosing 
some papers from the Committee at Boston for propagating 
Christ" faith, they relate to a Journal you have lately transmitted 
to them, The particulars of which are not ment d I must desire 
to know from you what was the occasion of your Writing, 
k that you will send me the whole particulars as I am given 
to understand, that it contained some Representations, that 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


461 


regard me. It is necessary that I should have the whole of this 
matter from yourself without delay. 

I am, Sir, 

The Rev d M r Kirtland. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO TIIE REYD. CHARLES INGLIS 

IN FURTHER RELATION TO HIS PLAN. 

Johnson hall Sept r 10 tl » 1771. 

Good Sir, 

On my return from a Spring back of Schenectaday which has 
lately been discovered, I was favored with your kind Letter 
inclosing Bishop Lowth’s Sermon, & the Abstract for which I 
kindly thank you. 

As I believe I must acknowledge the Compliment therein as 
Intended for me, I am bound in Gratitude to declare to you my 
obligation to that Worthy Prelate for the Distinguished honor 
he has conferred on my little endeavors in his excellent Dis¬ 
course before so Worthy & respectable an audience. 

I can affirm with Truth that besides my own heartfelt Satis¬ 
faction I have no motive, or occasion to Spun* my Inclinations 
than thereby to acquire the friendship of those Worthy Charac¬ 
ters by whom it is an honor to be Esteemed & I am only 
concerned that with such Inclinations I have not more ability to 
merit their favorable Testimonies. 

You have doubtless many interruptions in the prosecut" of 
your favorite object, but I hope you may soon oompleat it to y r 
Satisfact n as I know it will be to mine when you favor me with 
the perusal. 

If you think the fund you hint at will at all answer I shall 
be glad to have it explained, and I approve much of y r Intended 
application to Gov 1 ' Tryon,as his amiable character, and Counte¬ 
nance of the Church in the Colony he lately Governed shews 
him to be a real friend to its Interests the orig 1 Intentions, (or 
perhaps pretences) of all Gov ,s in planting America seemed to 
have the Christianizing the Natives as a principal object. It has 



462 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


been declared in Charters & I believe in the Gov rs Instructions, 
but tho’ it may have been long considered as matter of form, & 
Consequently little regarded, It may nevertheless have a good 
effect., and meet with more serious attention under the adminis¬ 
tration of a Gent already disposed to the Interests of the Church. 

I cannot at present certainly inform you whether the Bishop 
of Quebec can ordain Missionaries, &c, tho’I believe he can, 
but I imagine if so, that they are not to be Jesuites that order 
being so much discountenanced in most of the Romish States, 
and Secretly disliked by the Clergy of that denominant" from 
the superiority of their Influence, over the Great of that Church. 

I think that a Map of the Country you speak of freed from 
the errors of all those that have been published would greatly 
Illustrate your Work but no Regular surveys have been made 
thereof. The most accurate sketches that have been obtained 
are in the hands of Col. G. Johnson who has taken much pains 
in these matters, and will readily contribute his assistance by 
sending you such a one as may in some measure answer y r 
desires. 

The Rev d M r Cha 3 Inglis. 


THE REVD. CHARLES INGLIS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

New York, Sep. 21, 1771. 

Worthy Sir, 

I am honoured with Yours of the 10 th Instant; tho it did not 
come to Hand till after I sent the Memorial by M r Browne of 
Skenectady, which I hope you have relieved by this Time. 

I am fully sensible you require “ no Spur to your Inclinations” 
with Regard to the measures proposed for converting the Indians. 
Indeed your Zeal is what chiefly animates the Friends of that 
Scheme with Hopes of its Success : And it is evident that Bishop 
Lowth only intended to give a Testimony in his Sermon of the 
Sense that He & the Society have of your Zeal in this good 
cause, & how much depends upon you. For my part, I am free 
to declare, as I always have, that next to Providence, my chief 




THE SIX NATIONS. 


463 


Expectation & Dependance are founded on Your Zeal, Abilities 
& Influence both with the Ministry k the Indians; & if any 
Thing is ever done for the latter, I am persuaded it must be thro 
Your Means. * 

As the Conversion of the Indians is not mentioned in Governor 
Tryon’s Instructions, I have not said any Thing to him on the 
Subject. His Concurrence indeed might be of Service k I verily 
believe he would readily join in forwarding the Scheme were he 
required to do so. But from Motives of Delicacy, I would chuse 
to decline it, before I have a corrected Copy of the Memorial 
from You. In my humble Opinion, a Letter from Yourself to 
his Excellency, mentioning the Expediency of the proposed 
measures to convert & civilise the Indians, & desiring him to join 
in supporting the Petition of the Memorial by writing to Lord 
Hillsborough, would be the best Method of Procedure. What¬ 
ever you judge proper notwithstanding, will readily be acquiesced 
in by me; k I shall punctually follow your Directions. 

The Hint I formerly gave you of a Fund to support the Indian 
Missions, I received from His Excellency Governor Franklin. 
I had warmly recommended him to the Society for Admission as 
a Member. Accordingly he was elected; k upon recieving 
notice of this from D r Burton, I acquainted his Excellency with 
it by Letter. In his answer, he told me among other Things— 
That there were several valuable Islands in Delaware River 
which had not been } r et annexed either to Pennsylvania or New 
Jersey—that the Inhabitants, of those Islands who were nume¬ 
rous, were desirous to have the Islands annexed to the. Govern¬ 
ment of New Jersey—that on this Consideration, they would be 
willing to pay down a large Sum of money, or be afterwards 
subject to a considerable Quit-Rent—& His Excellency imagined 
that the Sum they would advance, or the Quit Rents they should 
afterwards pay, might easily be procured for the Support of an 
American Episcopate, or of Indian Missions. I immediately 
wrote to him, requesting to know w 7 hat he thought the Quit Rents 
of those Islands might amount to annually & that he would use 
his Influence with the Ministry to have them appropriated to the 
Uses he mentioned. I have yet recieved no Answ r er to this 
Letter, tho several Weeks have elapsed since it was written, 


464 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


which I impute to the Governor’s being much perplexed at pre¬ 
sent with Business. However, as the Corporation for the Relief 
of Clergymen’s Widows, &c is to meet at Amboy the Week after 
next, where I shall attend ; 1 intend to go from thence to Bur¬ 
lington to confer with his Excellency on the Subject, if I should 
not hear from him before that Time. 1 shall communicate to 
you whatever Intelligence I recieve. 

Iam the more anxious about this affair, as I apprehend the 
greatest obstacle to the Memorial’s taking place, will be the Fund 
that it requires. The Measure is so evidently necessary & the 
whole Design so humane & expedient in every Respect, which it 
recommends, that no Man can object to it, or forbear wishing it 
success. How many Thousands are annually expended by 
Government on Matters which are extremely trivial compared 
to this ! This however is what we have Nothing to do with. 
Could any Fund, not yet appropriated, be pointed out,—I am 
convinced it would greatly facilitate the Scheme, & contribute to 
procure for it the Countenance of Government; for such a Fund 
would, I think, be readily granted tor the purpose. If none such 
can be specified, the Memorial must even take its Chance. 
There is no Doubt that the Ministry will pay great Regard to 
whatever comes from you on this Head. Your Recommendation 
will draw their attention, if any Tiling can ; for it is not only 
my Opinion, but that of every one besides, that there is no per¬ 
son whatever whose Influence is more essential to the Peace & 
Welfare of America than Yours at present. 

I shall be greatly obliged to Col. Johnson for the Map of the 
Iroquois Country you mention. But probably it should rather 
go with the Copy of the Memorial that you may send to Lord 
Hillsborough. The only Reason for which I desired it was to 
make the Plan laid down in the Memorial more intelligble in 
England ; & of Course command more attention to it—Not but 
that I should be much pleased to see a correct Map of that 
Country; but I would not desire any Gentleman to be at so 
much Trouble merely for that Purpose. My best Compliments 
wait on Col. Johnson & Sir John—Col. Clause I suppose is not 
yet returned from Canada. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


465 


If you do not find it necessary to make any very great Altera¬ 
tions in the Memorial, perhaps the most expeditious Method, & 
what would be attended with least Trouble to you, would be to 
make those Alterations, Interlineations, &c in the Copy I sent 
You ; & after you have had it transcribed fair, to return it to 
me. From it I shall make another Transcript for. the Society. 

M r Stuart is now here on his Return to Fort Hunter. He 
will set out for Home in a few Days. The little Gentleman 
seems to bear Fatigue very well. With every Wish for Your 
Health & Happiness, I am, Worthy Sir, 

Your most affectionate 
& humble Serv 4 

Charles Inglis. 

To Sir W in Johnson. 

P. S. I hope You received Benefit from the Springs near Ske- 
nectady—It is very sickly all round us, owing to the heavy 
Rains we have had during the Summer— 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO REY. CHAS. INGLIS, 

WITH HIS OPINION ON THE PLAN FOR CHRISTIANIZING THE INDIANS. 

Johnson hall Sept r 28 th 1771. 

Good Sir, 

Your last favor was so long by the Way that I have scarcely 
had leisure to give your Memorial a perfect reading as my son 
& Col: Johnson were going for N York, I thought it the best 
opportunity I could have for returning it safe to y r hands and 
for the same reasons shall omit some particulars which otherwise 
I should have enlarged upon. I am vastly pleased with y r Work 
& I do assure you that It was with great satisfaction I found so 
many Important heads which w r ould each In my opinion 'have 
filled a pamphlet completely, & Clearly discussed in a few 
sheets. 

From the Indulgence you have given me I must however 
observe to you, that, In the plan for the Indians Conversion I 
Vol. iv. 30 



466 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


cannot think it safe to admit either Husbandmen or Mechanicks 
I believe I formerly assigned some reasons for this my opinion 
which were principally founded on the Jealousy of the Ind 9 to 
this I might have added some reasons of equal Weight, for which 
I now refer you to Col: Johnson, and therefore shall only add, 
that If you can take away all that regards that head the remain¬ 
der will perfectly Express my Sentiments and wishes. That 
part I am persuaded must have appeared to you Extreamely 
necessary, and but for some causes which few are acquainted 
with It would have been so. I am not under the apprehension 
that you will condemn my freedom in pointing out this, for I shall 
all ways treat you with that Candor which is due to Your merit 
and friendship. I send herewith a Letter to Lord Hillsboro’ 
wherein I have endeavored to do some Justice to your Work, 
which at the same time obliged me to Introduce you as the 
author, Tho’ this was but an Act of Justice I had sev 1 other 
good reasons for it, and the work can be very Easily adapted to 
that Circumstance. 

I have taken the opportunity of Introducing D r Cooper, into 
this Letter In such a manner as will make him a proper person 
to Deliver the Work to his Lordship and will I trust be an addi¬ 
tional Testimony in favor of his Worth & Merit. 

I shall Long to hear that these things are agreeable to you, 
and In the Interim remain with perfect Esteem 

D r S' 

&c. 

The Rev d M r Cha s Inglis. 


REV. WM. ANDREWS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Sir, 

The Favors I have received from you, & the Civilities you 
have from Time to Time been pleased to shew me, induces me to 
take the Liberty of informing You, that I have very lately 
opened a Grammar School in this Town, and that I may make 
it the more generally useful,! shall give Instructions, in Writing, 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


467 


Reading and Arithmetic.—At present I have Ten Scholars, and 
as the Prices are moderate, I have the Prospect of getting more 
daily. 

I hope, Sir, it may merit your Countenance and Encourage¬ 
ment, as it shall be conducted with the greatest Care and 
Attention, and that you will be good enough to patronize this 
undertaking, which may prove useful to the People here, and 
may enable me to continue amongst them. 

I had determined upon waiting on you to communicate this 
Scheme, when I lately preached at Fort-Hunter, but was pre¬ 
vented by some Circumstances. 

Believe me, that I am, with the truest Gratitude, 

Sir, 

Your most affectionate, 
and very humble Servant, 

Wm. Andrews. 

Schenectady. 28 th Sep r . 1771. 

The hon ble Sir W m Johnson Bar 1 . 


REVD MR. INGLIS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON, 

ON THE SUBJECT OF THE -MEMORIAL. 

New York, Octob. 23, 1771. 

Dear & worthy Sir, 

I received your last Favour by Col. Johnson, & intirely 
acquiesce in the Method you propose the Memorial should be 
transmitted to Lord Hillsborough, you are indisputably the best 
Judge of the properest Manner, as I am fully persuaded that no 
person can have the success of the Measure proposed more at 
Heart. 

It was extremely kind & obliging to send your Letter to Lord 
Hillsborough open ; & the very friendly, tho too partial, mention 
that is made of me in it, claims my warmest Gratitude. Be 
assured I have the highest sense of the Honour you do me ; & I 
shall think myself extremely happy, if under your Direction & 



468 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Influence, I can in any measure be instrumental in promoting a 
scheme by which so many advantages may be derived to the 
State—so much Honour to our Chnrch —k so many Benefits to 
the Indians, who I believe want no more than proper Culture, 
to make as distinguishing a Figure as any People upon Earth. 

The amendment you proposed with Respect to Farmers & 
Mechanics is made. Every tiling relative to them, except Smiths, 
is struck out. I confess it was more out of Compliance with 
common Prejudices that induced me to insert any thing about 
Farmers k Carpenters, than from a Conviction of their utility. 
But your Hint determined me immediately to leave out every 
thing that w r as said about them. The article concerning Smiths 
is retained ; because you did not object to it, k the Government 
formerly allowed them. 

By Col. Johnson’s Directions I inserted a few more Particulars. 
Pondiac’s affair is more fully stated—the Ravages occasioned by 
the Insurrection which he headed are more minutely delineated, 
being of great Consequence to remove the Notion of our being 
out of any Danger from the Indians, as we are Masters of 
Canada. A few Reflections are also added concerning the 
Western Indians, whose Jealousy is raised by our Conquest of 
Canada, & by which we have more Enemies among them now 
than formerly ; as many Nations, to whom the English were little 
known before, k' whom, the French taught to despise us, now 
observe us with a Jealous Eye. And lastly, I have thrown out 
a Hint near the Conclusion, how much more agreable to the 
Indians the solemnity of our Worship is than that of the Dissen¬ 
ters—that the Indians esteem the National Religion most, being 
professed by the King ; & that it wonld be more eligible to 
entrust their Conversion to Clergymen of the Clinch of England, 
by which their Fidelity to the Crown would be indubitably 
secured, than to Dissenting Teachers. 

Having made these alterations and additions besides a few others 
that were necessary as the Memorial was not to go in your Name, 
I had it copied out fair in a good Hand, & in a Quarto Size ; and 
having a Marble cover, with Col. Johnson’s accurate & neat Map 
prefixed, made a Handsome looking Pamphlet. I laid the Memo¬ 
rial, as you intimated, before Governor Tryon, who w as so kind 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


469 


as to approve it & I believe recommended it to Lord Hillsboro : 
Your Letter however is what I place all my hope on of having 
any attention paid to this Scheme by Government; altho I 
thought it my Duty to write the Society that they would join in 
urging this Business; particularly the Lord Bishop of Oxford, 
who has lately favoured me with a Letter, & to whom I have 
communicated largely my Sentiments on this subject. God 
Grant that the Steps taken may be attended with success. 
There are few earthly objects that would give me more sincere 
Pleasure. 

D r Cooper is saild. He was very thankful for the friendly 
notice you took of him in your Letter to Lord Hillsborough, & 
desired to be atfectionately remembered to you. He was on the 
point of embarking when Sir John & Col. Johnson came to Town, 
& I have been so constantly employed in assisting to prepare 
addresses to go by him from the Clergy & the College, & in 
moving to the College, that I have been deprived much more of 
the Pleasure of their Company than I would Cliuse. Indeed 
their Friends were so glad to see them, after so long an Absence, 
that they were almost continually out, & I could only spend a 
Couple of Evenings with them. There is an affair relative to 
Kirtland, the Indian Missionary, which I have mentioned to Col. 
Johnson to be communicated to you, not thinking it safe to com¬ 
mit it to writing. You are the only Person that can accomplish 
it, and it requires much Delicacy. 

Your approbation of the Memorial gives me much Pleasure. 
But in Reality if it has any Merit, It should be placed to your 
own Account; as I only arranged the Materials with which you 
supplied me ; & this I mentioned both to M r Tryon &' the 
Society. 

By this Time I hope you are returned safe from your Excur¬ 
sions into the Indian Country. That every Felicity may attend 
y 0U —& that you may be long continued a Blessing & an orna¬ 
ment to this Country, is the sincere Wish & Prayer of, 

Worthy Sir, 

Your most affectionate 
much obliged & very humble Scrv* 

To Sir W t0 Johnson Charles Inglis. * 


470 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


REVD WM. ANDREWS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Sir, 

I lately took the ’Liberty of acquainting You, that I had 
opened a Grammar School in this Town, and since that, I have 
determined on forming it into an Academy, and propose giving 
Instructions in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography and 
History to those who may be designed to fill the Stations of 
active Life, exclusive of those who may be taught the Learned 
Languages —Book-keeping, and Merchants aCcompts to fit them 
for Business, or the Mechanic Arts—At present I have Thirteen 
Scholars, and as the Prices are moderate for teaching, and 
receiving Boarders, I have a good Prospect of getting more 
daily. 

I hope, Sir, it may merit your Countenance and Encourage¬ 
ment, as it shall be conducted with the greatest Care and Atten¬ 
tion, and that you will be good enough to patronize this Plan, 
which may prove very useful to this Place, and may enable me 
to continue in this Mission. 

When I left London I positively saw my Salary settled in the 
venerable Society’s Books at £50 Sterling a year, and I then ex¬ 
press’d my surprize that it exceeded my Expectations by r £10, 
as I knew you had been pleased to have had even that annexed 
to what it formerly was.—But by a Letter from Doctor Burton, & 
from the Abstracts for this Year, I learn it really is no more than 
£40, which together with what my Congregation give, which 
is £40 Curerncy, is quite insufficient to support me.—Indeed 
the people subscribe as largely & willingly as they possibly can. 
In short, they contribute all in their Power to make me live 
easy, and I do every Thing I can to please them, by doing my 
Duty amongst them. 

What I only wish for, is, that the venerable Society wou’d 
please to add something to My Income, either on Account of 
the School, or because of the Poverty of the Mission.—For, I 
believe I may safely pronounce it to be one of the poorest Mis¬ 
sions on the Continent.—Still I wou’d not wish to appear discon- 
,, tented, for I am far from being so—I only desire to have my 
Income so settled, in a moderate Way, That I can make it 
barely satisfy my few Wants. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


471 


Whenever your Church is fit for Service, I shou’d be willing, 
if agreeable to you to preach at times, till you please to receive 
a Clergyman, as that is the only Method I have of shewing my 
Gratitude for the Favors you have conferred, on him who is 
with great Respect 

Sir, Your most obedient Servant, 

Wm. Andrews. 

Schenectady, 5 th November 1771. 

The Hon ble Sir W m Johnson Bart 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO TIIE REYD MR. ANDREWS. 

Johnson hall Nov r 18 th 1771. 
Sir, 

I have had the favor of yours informing me of your having 
opened a Grammar School, and of your resolution since to form 
it into an Academy, of all which I cannot but approve from the 
Just opinion I entertain of your abilities for & attention to the 
duties of such an Undertaking. You may therefore be assured, 
of such encouragement & recommendation as it is in my power 
to afford you. 

I am really concerned at your disappointment of the additional 
<£10 per annum, being thoroughly persuaded of the reasonable¬ 
ness of what you say concerning your present situation which I 
wish it was in my power to improve, by anything I can say in 
your behalf, and with that View shall mention your case in my 
next Letters to the Society, tho’ I am sensible that their funds, 
are much reduced by the late necessary Establishing 

It is my sincere wish that your present useful undertaking 
may alleviate those disagreable circumstances which you have 
described, and become more suitable to your Merit than the 
moderation of your Wishes which are an additional recommen¬ 
dation to your Character. 

I am much obliged by your offer of preaching at Johnstown 
occasionally, till that Mission is supplied, which I should by no 
means decline If It could be done Consistent with your Engage- 




472 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


ments in Schenectady, as I shall allways be glad to see you, and 
to demonstrate that I am with regard, 

Your hearty Well Wisher 

& most humble Servt, 

The Rev d M r W m Andrews. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO REV1). CHARLES INGLIS. 

Johnson Hall Jany 27th 1772 . 

Good Sir 

I have been lately favored with your Letter of the 4 th Inst 
on the subject of which I wish it was in my power to afford you 
satisfaction, For it would give me pleasure to be the Instrument 
in procuring suitable relief for a Lady of the Character & merit 
you describe, and especially one who is Connected with you. 

There is such a fund in Ireland as you describe which as I 
have allways understood was used Chiefly for the support of 
Ladies whose Husbands or near Connections had served the 
State, and at the disposal of the Lord Lieutenant; whether M rs 
Ellis is within the predicament I have mentioned, or not, I sup¬ 
pose that with proper Interest she might be placed on the List, 
but really I am unluckily a most unfit person to make such 
application, for a residence of above 30 years in America 
together with the nature of my office which directs my Corres¬ 
pondence to England has deprived me of all my old acquain¬ 
tances In Ireland who could be of any service, & for many years 
Limited my Correspondence to my own family, and as far as 
Lord Townsend tho’ he has been for a short time in America, 
yet we never served together, neither had I any opportunity of 
seeing or being known to him, for which reason you know I 
could not with the least propriety apply to him, or direct the 
disposition of his bounty at such a distance,—any of the Donegal 
members might do her business at once, and I have understood 
that it is thro’ such Channell that such favors are dispensed; 
If this did not occur to you, perhaps it 'may be of some use, at 
least I wish it, for I am really concerned that in this Instance I 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


473 


cannot shew yon how much I am inclined to serve Indigent 
merit, & to oblige you I am hopefull that by this Time you may 
have heard of the safe arrival of D r Cooper in England, and 
sincerely wish success to every thing that is- committted to his 
charge, Tho’ I dont know all the objects of his voyage, I make 
no doubt but that he will prove an able Sollicitor, & that the 
Indian Memorial will meet with some attention. Your preju¬ 
dices in favor of these people are truly laudable, and I hope you 
will ere long see some of our good Wishes accomplished. 

I shall be very much obliged to you for the Pamphlett you 
mention whenever any private hand offers, and also to hear any 
thing material that may be sent you from England. 

It is of the highest importance to all new seats of Learning 
that they acquire an early reputation and the friends of N 
York College must be pleased to find that D r Coopers place is so 
ably filled in his absence. 

I shall remember you to M r Stewart, and have S r John & Col: 
Johnsons kind Compliments now to transmit you. I shall also 
Let the Indian know your farther remembrance of his Son which 
will be taken very kindly. At present I can only add farther 
that I am Most Sincerely 

The Itev d M r Chas Inglis. 


MR. JOHN COTTGRAVE TO SIR WM. JOHNSON, 

RESPECTING THE CHURCH &C. 

Johns Town 18 th May 1772. 

Honoured Sir. 

As the Capital of Try on is fixed upon to be here, I should be 
wanting in Duty, if I was to omit the opportunity to congratu¬ 
late your Honour thereupon: but as my intention therein will 
not agree with Custom, I shall proceed; and leave two or three 
things for your Honours consideration, the first of which 
is, for the immediate finishing of the Church; for as the Church 
now remains; your Honour and family cannot have the satisfac¬ 
tion which you otherwise would have, if the Church was finished, 
the Children for instance, mix with the Aged, for the want of 
a Gallary;—and for the want of seats, many of the Grown neople 



474 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


are very troublesome—The next thing I consfder of the utmost 
importance to the General wellfare of this Patent, is the Clothing 
of the Poor Children, with something low priced for a suitable 
uniform, to be worn at no other Time but on the Sabath—this 
would encourage and Command the Childrens attendance, and 
engage their Parents: and when Care is taken of the Childrens 
Cloathes, the expense of Clothing them will be inconsiderable, 
what a pitty is it therefore, to see, so great, and so good a thing, 
as this is not to take place; when a Boy, to ride post from the 
Hall (who perhaps like too many others live in idleness) would 
more than pay the sum which the before recommended Charity 
will require.—The next thing I mean to refer to, is the Building 
of a new Free School house nearly in the Centre of the Free 
School-House Lot in the form of an academy; with a conven- 
iency at the top, for the little Bell of the Hall; if this was to be 
done, the present School House might be removed upon one of 
the vacant Lots in Town,' and answer the End of a dwelling 
house—as it would not be proper for to have the New Free 
School in the least incumbered, but to have the whole Lott 
fenced in neatly, and Sutable Trees planted round the whole 
square. If these things was done, (which is of far greater Con¬ 
sequence than the Building of Blockhouses in Town) your 
Honour would then engage the attention of people, and perhaps 
them who live in the remotest part of his present Majesty’s 
Dominions. And as the particulars refered to, generally atract 
the attention of Gentlemen of the first rank; and as your 
Honour is capable of giving the foremost of them a Pattern, its 
a pitty any hurry of Business shou’d so far interfere, as to set 
aside your Honours intention therein—and the only reason why 
I have been so very troublesome at times to your Honour as I 
have been, is owing to my being a Spectator to Transactions, 
which selfevidently debars your Honour from being as Great, 
which your Honours universal Goodness of heart entitles you 
of being, is the opinion, of Honoured Sir, 

your Honours most Dutifull 

and very obliged Serv 1 

John Cottgrave. 

Honourable Sir William Johnson Baronet. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


475 


N. R. As the first years Cloathing will appear at this Time 
perhaps too expensive (your Honour having so many to provide 
for), I will be willing from the same Consideration to allow your 
Honour Ten pounds towards the expense: and if my Circum¬ 
stances were otherwise than they are at present, I do assure your 
Honour, I would do much more and with the greatest pleasure—• 
but being out of Trade and under a perticular disadvantage for 
the present, hope your Honour will excuse my offer, and to 
keep the same as a Secret; as no other person living will be 
acquainted with my Conclusion thereupon. 


SIR WM JOHNSON TO TIIE REVD MR. ANDREWS 

Johnson hall June 25 th 1772. 
Sir, 

After being long in expectation of procuring a Missionary, 
for this place, of such a Character as I could wish to see seated 
here, thro’ the kind endeavors of the Society, and finding that 
such a person had not been found out, but that they wished me to 
use my endeavors to get one that was fitting, I accordingly wrote 
to some of my acquaintances (whose enquirys I thought might be 
attended with Success) Signifying that on their meeting with a 
Gentleman in Orders of good Character, who was willing to settle 
here, I should give him a favorable reception, with a preferrence 
to the first person that should be found, I have lately been 
informed in consequence thereof by a Friend of mine that he 
has at length procured me a Gentleman of fair Character and 
abilities who will shortly coino to this place as I formerly desired. 
I therefore thought it necessary to acquaint you therewith, as at 
the time you expressed the desire to remove here, It was not in 
my power to give you an Answer, with any degree of Certainty, 
least somebody had been already fixed upon in consequence of 
my former application. The Gentleman who I am informed will 
soon be up is an entire stranger to me, but from the recommen¬ 
dation I have of him, I imagine I cannot deny him the place he 



476 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


has been encouraged to expect by the Gentleman whom I im- 
powered. 

If therefore this should prevent me from gratifying your 
Wishes, I can only say that I am hopefull it will be no material 
disappointment to you but that the slenderness of your present 
Mission may be made up by the Success of your Academy, and 
the great use which I am persuaded you can be of in your 
present situation will encourage you to persevere in your pious 
endeavors at Schenectady. 

I am allways, with Esteem, 

The Rev d M r W m Andrews. Sir &c 


MR. WM. HANNA TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

London July 20th 1772 

Hear Sir. 

Both Gratitude & Inclination induce me to imbrace the first 
Opportunity to inform you of my Success, by Virtue of your 
recommendatory Letter to Co 1 Sharpe who received me with 
much Friendship & Hospitality : & kindly asked after the Health 
& Prosperity of his Good old Friend Sir William Johnson. At 
the same Time let me know, that at Present, there was not a 
vacant Parish in Maryland,but if I inclined to persue my Design, 
he would recommend me to his Friends in Virginia where I 
could have a Title to a vacant Parish; & if any became vacant 
in Maryland ; he would use his Influence for my Interest; and 
thought it premature to apply to Governor Eden, for a Living 
till I was in holy Orders : accordingly I received from Co 1 Sharpe 
& his Friends Letters to Lord Fairfax, Col George Fairfax Co 1 
Washington & others ; whereby I readily obtained a Title to a 
vacant Parish : & Letters to his Lordship the Bishop of London 
by whom I was ordained Deacon the tenth & Priest the four¬ 
teenth Ultimo. 

I have had the Pleasure & Happiness to fall into Company 
with Your good Friends Samuel Wharton Esq 1 : & Major Trent 

1 Samuel Wharton, son of Joseph Wharton of Philadelphia, was born on the 
3rd of May 1732. He was a Gentleman of very considerable talents, and was 
concerned in a purchase made of the Indians of a large tract of land on the Ohio. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


477 


who remembring a few Days we spent togither with you at the 
Hall before the general Treaty ; and understanding that I was 
recommended by you on this Occasion were pleased to take a par¬ 
ticular Notice of me on your Account: and introduced me to 
some of the first Families in this Place : by whom I was treated 
with much Kindness & generosity & intertained with much 
Splendor. And when I informed M r Wharton that you had 
advised me, & that I was -desirous of settling in Maryland ; he 
procured me Letters one from Sir John Eden oldest Brother of 
Governor Eden 1 another from W ,n Eden 2 a younger Brother, & 

The Government of Great Britain discountenanced transactions of that nature.- 
Mr. Wharton resided in London for some time, as the Agent of the Purchasers 
with the view to obtain the confirmation by Government of the purchase made of 
the Indians, and authority to establish a form of Government on those Lands. 
The difficulties which occurred between Great Britain and her Colonics put an 
end to all prospect of terminating the scheme favorably .—Letter of Frs. R. 
Wharton Esq. 

1 Sir Robert Eden, Bart, son of Sir Robert E. of West Auckland, married 
Caroline, youngest daughter of Charles, 6th Lord Baltimore, sister and co-heir 
of the last peer of that name. He was appointed governor of Maryland in Au¬ 
gust 1768, but did not assume the government (according to McMahon, History 
Maryl.) until June, 1769. He continued in power until 1776. Easy of access, 
courteous to all, of fascinating accomplishments, he was respected if not beloved 
even by his political^enemies. Hence he was permitted to remain in the province 
even after the establishment of a provincial government which, by express rule, 
exempted him and his family from its authority. Whilst enjoying this immunity 
some despatches from Lord George Germaine to his address were intercepted, 
and General Lee wrote to the Committee of Baltimore ordering his arrest. The 
subject was referred to the Council of Safety who did not think fit to comply, 
and Governor Eden was permitted to embark on 23d June 1776, on board the 
sloop-of-war, Fowey. On his return to England he was created a Baronet, 19th 
Sept. 1776. He returned to Annapolis in 1784, to look after his lady’s estate, 
and died in the neighborhood of that city in the year 1786. Ed. 

2 William Eden (afterwards Lord Auckland,) was son of Sir Robert E. He 
was educated at Oxford and called to the bar in 1769; appointed Under Secre¬ 
tary of State in 1772; one of the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations 
in 1776, and in 1778 was named one of the Commissioners for restoring peace in 
America. In 1782 he became Chief Secretary of Ireland under the Earl of Car¬ 
lisle, with whom he had visited this country, and a privy Chancellor in 1783. In 
1785 he was named Minister to France; in 1786 he was one of the Lords of Trade, 
and in 1788, Ambassador to the court at Madrid. In 1789 he was raised to the 
Peerage as Baron Auckland, and was Minister to Holland in 1793. He died 28th 
of May, 1814. He was the author of Letters on Finance, but his principal work 
is, The Principles of Penal Law, 8vo. 1772. Ed. 


478 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


by his Interest & Intimacy with the Earl of Rotchford one of 
his Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State he obtained a third 
from Lord Essex who is Uncle to M rS Eden & Benifactor to the 
Governor each warmly recommending me to the Notice Favour 
& Protection of the Governor, which I dare say will have the 
Desired Effect. In short M r Wharton is on such good Terms 
with most of the Lords that whatever he asks for his Friends he 
readily obtains with the greatest ease. M r Wharton took me 
one Day into the House of Lords tho’ Strick Orders are against 
any Persons being permitted to enter it during the sitting ; where 
I saw the King in his royal Robes, seated on his Throne, & the 
Lords in their proper Robes, & was present when the House of 
Commons addressed the King & twenty four Bills received the 
royal Assent. 

I was also at the Cockpit, when the Lords of the privy Council 
took into Consideration the Expediency of granting a large Tract 
of Land & settling a Government on the Ohio; agreeable to a 
Petition of the Right Honourable Tho 3 Walpole, Brother to Lord 
Walpole, M r Wharton, Major Trent, & of many Lords : to the 
granting of which Petition Lord Hillsborough alone objected, 
that Part of the Lands prayed for, were the Property of the 
Cherokee Indians, and that it was contrary to ttte good Policy of 
this Country to permit the Americans to settle the interior Parts 
of America : to which after M r Walpole had introduced, & made 
some pertinent Observations on the Subject in general, M r 
Wharton spoake next for several Hours & replyed distinctly to 
each perticular Objection ; and thro’ the whole of the Proceed¬ 
ings he so fully removed all Lord Hillsborough’s Objections, and 
introduced his Proofs with so much Regularity, and made his 
Observations on them with so much Propriety, Deliberation and 
Presence of Mind ; that fully convinced every Lord Present: & 
gave universal Satisfaction to the Gentlemen ooncerned : And 
I must say it gave me a particular Pleasure to Hear an Ameri¬ 
can & a Countryman act his Part so well before such a Number 
of great Lords, at such an August Board ; And I now have the 
great Pleasure to inform you that their Lordships have overruled 
Lord Hillsborough’s Report, & have reported to his Majesty in 
favour of M r Wharton & his Associates. This is looked upon 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


479 


here as a most Extraordinary Matter : And what no American 
ever accomplished before. Indeed no one from America, ever 
had so much Interest, and was so attended to by the great Lords 
as M r Wharton, cannot conclude without doing him the Jus¬ 
tice, of saying, that he lias the greatest Respect for you & in all 
Companies Speaks in the highest Manner of you, and in Publick 
Companies your American Friends always give you for a Toast 
& drink your Health in a Bumper. 

Many are the Places of Intertainment & Curiosities in London 
which Delight & amuse the mind, Renalgli, Vauxhall & Mary- 
bone Gardens hold the foremost Rank for Splendor & Eligance. 
S l Pauls Church the Palaces of New Kensington S l James’s & 
Hampton the Mension House, London & West-Minster Bridges 
& Westminster Abbey Strike the Mind of the Beholder with an 
agreeable Sense of Grandeur & Magnificence. 

I spent some Days in viewing the Monuments in Westminster 
Abbey & taking olf some of the Inscriptions in a Journal, 
amongs the rest I viewed with particular Attention, a magnifi¬ 
cent Monument of white Marble erected to the Memory of that 
Gallant Admiral, your Uncle, Sir Peter Warren : done by the 
Masterly Hand of Rubiliac; close by the Wall is a large flag 
hanging to a Flag-Staff, & spreading in natural Folds behind the 
whole Monument. Before is a fine Figure of Hercules placing 
Sir Peter’s Bust on its Pedestal; & on the other Side is a Figure 
of Navigation, with a Laurel-Wreath indier Hand, gazing on the 
Bust with a Look of Admiration ; behind her a Cornu-Copia 
pours out Fruit, Corn, Money, a Fleece &c And by it is a Can¬ 
non and a lable folding very naturaly over an Anchor & many 
other Decorations. 

As it is a Time of Profound Peace. And we have no News 
here I beg leave to conclude with asking your Pardon for the 
Prolixity of this Letter, pray give my Compliments to Sir John 
Johnson, Co 1 Claus & Lady Co 1 Johnson & Lady, & all enquiring 
Friends & Receive this tho’ tedious in good Part from 
Dear & Worthy Sir 

Your Friend & Welwisher Sincerely. 

Wm Hanma. 


To Sir William Johnson. 


480 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


REVD WM. ANDREWS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Sir, 

To obviate some peculiar Disadvantages, under which I 
labour in my present Situation, I made personal Application to 
You lately for the Mission at Johnstown;—not but that I had 
turned my views that Way a considerable Time past,—only I 
was prevented by some Circumstances, which till then had not 
determined me. However, that there is now a Prospect of 
having shortly a Gentleman qualified, from Representation, to 
supply that Place, gives me much Satisfaction ; And I make no 
Doubt, from the Character given of him, that his Abilities and 
good sense will enable him to perform his ministerial Duty, in 
such a Manner, as to prove beneficial to all the good People whom 
he purposes serving. 

I return you sincere Thanks for your kind Wishes, and Ex¬ 
pressions of Consolation. But the very Thing which enables 
me to continue in this Mission, is the Grievance I complain of: 
For my constant Attendance on the School, prevents me from 
paying that Attention to my Congregation which I cou’d really 
wish, and from my being obliged to write two Discourses every 
Week I am confined from taking that Recreation which I find 
my Health requires. 

Indeed, when I offered myself for that Mission, it was not 
from a Presumption that I shou’d have perfectly answered the 
Description given, but truly from higher Motives, which I trust 
in God, will always influence me to do my Duty with that con¬ 
tinual steady care, that my Station requires. Avoiding, at the 
same time, the Levities which my Age might incline me to 
indulge, and the Gloominess that frequently attends our Cloth. 

As therefore it may be impossible to gratify my Wishes, I can 
only say, that I shall always be happy in testifying my Gratitude 
to you, & shew it by my Willingness to officiate there occasion¬ 
ally, ’till a Missionary is settled. 

Believe me I am in Sincerity, 

Schenectady. 23 d Sir, your affectionate 

July. 1772. and very obedient Servant, 

The Hon ble Sir William Johnson Barb WM. t Andrews. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


481 


SIR WM JOHNSON TO THE REVD DR. BURTON, 

RESPECTING THE REV. MR. MOSELEY. 

Johnson hall Oct r 2 U 1772. 
Sir, 

It is now a considerable time since I had the pleasure of 
writing to, or of hearing from you, and the venerable Society ; 
a Variety of business, together with my bad state of health, & 
the want of any thing very material, was the occasion of this 
omission of my part. 

I have now to acquaint you that finding no prospect of getting 
the Mission at Johnstown near this place supplied from Europe, 
an English Gentleman M r Rich d Mosely 1 In Orders, who lately 
came to this Continent in a Man of War, & was nominated to a 
Mission in New England has been strongly recommended to me 
for this place, he appears to me to be a Good kind of Man & I 
have accordingly accepted of, and Signified to him what I can 
contribute in addition to the Society’s Allowance, with which he 
has accorded, & is to enter upon his Duties imediately. I must 
therefore beg Leave to recommend him to the approbation of the 
Society ; upon this occasion I ought to observe that the Missions 
established at £10 Ster p Ann, are found by Experience in this 
Country inadequate in the present age, Some of these in the old 
Settlements, near the Sea, where the Circumstances & Inclinations 
of the People are more favorable, may enable a Missionary to 
live tolerably well, but here where the People who are not of the 

1 “ In 1772, the Rev. Mr. Mozley, a Missionary from the Society for the Pro¬ 
pagation of the Gospel, at Litchfield, Conn., was presented by the grand jury for 
marrying a couple belonging to his parish after the banns were duly published and 
consent of parents obtained. The court mildly fined Mr. Mozley 20/. because he 
could not show any other license to officiate as a clergyman than what he had 
received from the Bishop of London, whose authority the court determined did 
not extend to Connecticut, which was a chartered government. One of the 
Judges said, * It is high time to put a stop to the usurpations of the Bishop of 
London, and to let him know, that though his license be lawful, and may em¬ 
power one of his curates to marry in England, yet it is not so in America; and 
if fines would not curb them in this point, imprisonment should.’ ( Peter's Conn. 
143.) On experiencing this rude treatment Mr. Mozley removed to Johnstown, 
whither 30 families from New-England, all dissenters, followed, and settled within 
fifteen miles of him. He left Johnstown in the spring of 1774. Ed. 

Vol. iv. 31 


482 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Low Dutch Communion are New Settlers, & poor, the contribu¬ 
tions are as trifling as they are uncertain ; This has occasioned 
the Rev d M r Andrews at Schenectady, to have recourse to the 
keeping a School with which addition to his income, as he writes 
me he is not able to take care of his Family. In short the state 
of this part of the Country is not thoroughly known in Europe, 
It is an Extensive & most valuable Tract in which the Majority 
of the Settlements, and the Church of England are in their 
Infancy, but sucli an Infancy as affords the most flattering hopes 
If properly nourished & improved for a little time. 

The Rev d M r Munro at Albany, after struggling with many 
difficulties has a Good Congregation, and acts with much Dili¬ 
gence, and Discretion. I have already mentioned M r Andrew’s 
situation M r Stuart at the Mohawks is much esteemed and 
regularly attended by the Indians, besides which he has added to 
the Number of Whites of his Congregation, and the School is 
very promising he sometimes visits the Conajoharees, but M r 
Hall has long since declined coming to that place, and I can hear 
of no other to supply it, so that that necessary Church built 
entirely at my own expence is in a great measure useless. 

The Church at Johnstown, (now the Capital of Tryon County) 
having been found too small, I rebuilt it last year of Stone at 
my own Expence, much larger than the former, and from the 
Increase of people M r Mosely will have a very large Congrega¬ 
tion. The School there is extremely promising, and increases 
fast, 86. 

Rev D r Burton 


REV. DAVID JONES’ LETTERS OF ORDINATION. 

The Associated churches of Jesus Christ, the son of God and 
coequal with the Almighty Father, the great Creator of all things 
in heaven, earth, and seas who are particularly distinguished in 
America, in those territories bordering on the Sea, and under 
the Sovereignity and Dominion of our great and good Father 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


483 


George the third king of Great Brittain, France and Ireland. 
The Philadelphian Association. 

To all Christian People and our brethren the native inhabitants 
of America, whose eternal happiness we long for, as the reason¬ 
able Creatures of the alwise Creator, whose exalted felicity the 
great Lord of althings purposes to accomplish to shew forth his 
own Glory and Power. Where ever this may come Send Greet¬ 
ing and our Christian Salutation. 

First with all truth and faithfulness We declare and affirm. 
That this association now met on the thirteenth, fourteen and 
fifteen days October in the year of Christ 1772. Is the said 
Philadelphian association which was first formed in the city of 
Philadelphia Anno Domini 1707, and hath constantly met year 
by year and every year since either in Philadelphia aforesaid or 
in the city of New-York, as the game hath been adjourned or 
previously appointed. 

Next we declare and make known. That this association at 
this time consists of forty Christian churches, all situate within 
the several Provinces of Pennsilvania, Maryland, East and West 
New Jerseys and New-York. All regularly constituted, ordered 
and governed according to the Will of God, as revealed to us in 
his Word, That only we endeavor to make the rule of our Faith 
and Practice, in all religious concerns. 

And further, We do declare and testifie That the bearer hereof 
David Jones aged about thirty six years of age, about five feet 
ten inches in hight of a spare habit of body, is at this time the 
regular ordaind Pastor of the baptist church of Jesus Christ in 
Upper Ffreehold in the county of Munmouth, within the province 
of East New Jersey. And that he is in full and comfortable 
communion in his said church. And that the said church is in 
good love and fellowship with this association, as it hath con¬ 
stantly been for several years past. 

And lastly We do declare and certifie, That at the especial 
request and motion of our dearly beloVed and highly esteemed 
brother David Jones and his representation of his benevolent and 
fervent longing desire for the promulgation of the gospel of a 
dear Redeemer, and the salvation of the imortal souls of his 
native countrymen, the several Tribes of Indians. He is now 


484 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


purposing to imploy the principle part of the ensuing winter 
amongst the inhabitants on the West side of the river Ohio, as 
God shall give him strength, abillit.y and opportunity. For the 
furtherance of this his most Christian undertaking, we wish him 
god speed and take our present leave of him praying with him 
and for him, that the Almighty Potentate of heaven, earth and 
seas will preserve, protect and defend him from all evil and dan¬ 
ger ; That he will own and bless his endeavors to promote the 
final happyness of immortal souls ; And that at his return to his 
endearing family, his church and us, we shall be comforted by 
the glad tidings of your receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ in 
the love of it, submiting to the Ordinances of the w r ord of God; 
and living suitable and holy lives becoming the disciple, and 
such who have been redeemed by the precious and divine blood 
of the Son of God. Signed by our order in full Association New 
York the 15 th of Octo r 1772. 

A Copy Abel Morgan Moderator 

James Manning Clerk. 


FEVP HARRY MUNRO TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Honourable Sir, 

[As] M r Mosely is in a hurry to leave Town, I have just time 
to Salute you k family in the most cordial & respectful manner; 
assuring you at the same time, that no Distance of time or 
[place j Shall ever efface those Sentiments of Friendship & Grati¬ 
tude 1 [shall] always retain for you. I have been lately in New 
York, where I collected one hundred Pounds among 
friends k Connections, for our poor Church at Albany, which 
now makes a decent appearance; The old windows being taken 
down, k new Sashes put in their place. The inside also is 
[altered] for the Better; k peace & harmony generally prevails 
amongst us; Notwithstanding [the] malicious Efforts of a certain 
Cabal | to] disturb our Tranquility, S l Peter’s [Church] main¬ 
tains her ground, k increases [in] numbers. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


485 


I have sent [you] an Abstract for the present year [where] 
you will find an excellent Sermon preached by I) r Moss. The 
Clergy at New York desire their respectful Comp ts to you. The 
Fund for Clergymens widows goes on Successfully ; having 
[lately] received a present of Two hundred [pounds] Sterling 
from Barbadoes. I sincerely congratulate you on the appoint¬ 
ment of your new Chaplin & [Missionary,] with my most hearty 
wishes that he may answer your purpose, & [in all] respects pro¬ 
mote your good and [pious] Design. 

The Rev d D r Bfurton] is to resign, & one D r Hide is to [be] 
appointed Sectary next Christmass. The Propriety & Expedi¬ 
ency of sending Bishops to America is now the general Topic 
of Conversation in England. 

Our Governor has been extremely ill, but is now recovered, 
& gone to Philad a . 

That the Almighty may long preserve your Life in [health] 
& happiness, as a Blessing to [your] family, & to this Country in 
general are the ardent wishes and hearty prayer of 
Hon ble Sir your most obliged 

most obedient & most humble Servant 
Harry Munro, 

Albany 12* Nov' 1772. 

To Sir William [Johnson.] 


REY. MR. GRAVES TO SIR WM JOHNSON. 

Hon le Sir 

Permit me to embrace this Opportunity of congratulating you& 
all y e Friends of our established Religion upon y e ' Arrival & 
Settlement of ye worthy M r Mosely, who, tho’ despis’d by y« 
pious Novanglians, will, I doubt not, be respected by y c humble, 
& sincere Johnstonians. I heartily wish a lasting Unanimity 
may prevail betweenn him & his Audience, & y x he will fully 
answer y e Designs of his Venerable Patrons. As he is a stranger, 
I have presum’d to give him my Advice & Directions. 



486 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


I am sorry y e Society have been ill advis’d by a certain Lawyer 
in these Parts about 40 Acres of Land, given by y e Indians of 
Narraganset to y e Society for encouraging our Religion among 
them in y e very words following — u I Geo. Ninegret Chief & 
Prince of y e Narreganset Indians kc for securing k setling y® 
Service & worship of y e church of England among them have 
given &c to y e Use of y e Society for propagating y e Gospel in 
foreign Parts for evermore 40 Acres (k whereon y e church of 
England now stands) butted &c.” An attested Copy of y e Deed 
I sent toy e Society, who having consulted M r Honeyman of Rode 
Island, were told, y c Land was given for a resident Minister, (tho’ 
there’s no such word in y e Deed) & so have dropt this right, & 
y e Land is & has been occupied by one Coll Champlain, who has 
thrown down y c church & built a Tavern w th it. The Land is 
worth about 20 Doll, p Ann. Now if y e Society wou’d authorize 
me, I wou’d serve him w th an Ejectment, & if I lost y e suit, it 
shou’d be at my cost—if I recover’d it, they should pay me k 
let me have y e Land for attending those poor Indians, who 
wou’d rejoice under my Ministry. I wish you wou’d condescend 
to weigh this aifair. Wishing you all Happiness in Time & 
Eternity, I presume to subscribe myself, 


Y r Honor’s 

most obedient, hum 1 ® Serv 4 
Matt Graves 1 


New' London March 
12th 1773 


I wish y e Trustees in England had a faithful narrative of 
D r Wheeler’s kc. 


1 Rev. Matthew Graves a native of England, took charge of the Episcopal 
church at New London, as Missionary from the Soc: for Prop: the Gospel, in 
the year 1715. He continued to officiate in that parish until 1778, when he was 
requested to forego the usual prayer for the King. This he refused to do, and in 
consequence he was driven from his church one Sunday after reading this obnox- 
ious part of the Liturgy. So suddenly was the attack, that he had not time to divest 
fiimself of his surplice, in which he fled to the house of a parishioner, who though 
a warm Whig, protected him from violence. Notwithstanding public service was 
thus suspended, Mr. Graves remained in New London until the following years, 
subjected to many straits, “ during which for the support of his family, he has 
been obliged to sell almost all his property and to take up money on very disad¬ 
vantageous terms.” lie withdrew to New York in which city he died unmarried, 
in 1780. In person he was ungainly; of low stature, rather corpulent, with 
particularly short legs. His brother John, was minister of the Episcopal church 
at Providence R. I. where he died in Nov. 1785. Updike's Hist. Narragansett Ch. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


487 


COL BABCOCK TO REV. DR. COOPER, 

ON THE SUBJECT OF ESTABLISHING AN ACADEMY IN THE INDIAN 
COUNTRY. 

, Stonington 11“* Aug* 1773. 

Rev d & Dear Sir 

I now set down to write to you, upon an affair that appears to 
me of the utmost Consequence.—must confess I am somewhat 
at a Loss, in what manner to address myself to You—but pre¬ 
suming upon our former Intimacy, and Acquaintance, and that 
Friendship which you have honoured me with, shall without 
any farther Preface, beg leave to say, that I have long resolved 
in my mind, a change of the manner of my Life, and have had 
serious tho’ts of Quitting Agriculture, tho a very pleasing and 
most agreeable kind of Life; and going Home to Great Britain 
in order to take a Gound, with a view of founding a Seminary 
upon the Episcopal Plan, amongst the Six Nations of Indians, 
under the Patronage of Sir William Johnson—I communicated 
this affair to my Father some month ago, and had he approved 
of it, should have immediately set off for Johnson Hall to have 
laid the affair before that truly great man Sir William, who I 
cant help thinking Providence permitted to settle in this Country 
with a Design of his Christianizing those numerous Nations of 
Savages, over which he has had, & stil has such a surprising 
Influence, and both the last War, and the War before improved 
them in military Life; so much both for the Interests of the 
Crown of G Britain, and the particular advantage of the Colo¬ 
nies. witness the Engagement he had with Baron Dieskau on 
the 8 th Sept r 1775, (a Day I shall ever have great Reason to 
remember for I lost 19 men that morning' out of 60 that were 
under my Command) an action so important in its Consequences 
as any that ever happened to this Country, from the first Settle¬ 
ment of it to the present Day—had the Baron succeeded in his 
attempt against Sir W m this Country, at least great Part of it, 
would have been deluged in Blood & Slaughter; & such Scenes 
of Horror & Distress would have ensued, as would shock the 
Ear of the most obdurate Wretch.—General Braddock being 
defeated at Monongahela, and the army under his Command 


488 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


almost cut to Pieces. One third killed, one third Wounded, 
and one third run away which, as Gen 1 Burton who was in the 
action afterwards assured me, was as near the Truth of the 
matter as he could relate. Gen 1 Shirley at that Time was at 
Oswego. The City of Albany would have instantly fallen a 
sacrifize to that very enterprizing General the Baron who was a 
very great Favourite of the yery celebrated Marshal Saxe, and 
by him strongly recommended to the French king, as one of the 
best Officers of his Rank, in all his most Christian Majesty's 
Forces. He at the Time of Marshal Saxes Death was a Col" of 
of a Reg 1 of Infantry and Lieu 1 Col° of Saxes Reg 1 of Horse. 
The Baron, very justly observed that had he won.the Day, in that 
action be would have easily cut off all Supplys from Gen 1 
Shirley and who of Course must of Necessity submitted to any 
Terms the Baron would have please’d to impose. The 6 th 
Nations, had Sir W m been defeated undoubtedly would have 
joyned the Baron—And the City of New York would have been 
the Barons Head Quarters—But thanks be to God all indulgent 
Heaven, did not think proper to devote this Country to Ruin. 

The Services that S r W m Johnson has done in this Country 
are infinitely more tit for a Yol° than that of a Letter but I cant 
help thinking that his most valuable and very important Life is 
still reserved by Almighty God for the most noble of Purposes— 
I acquainted Sir W m that I proposed laying the Matter before 
you, and of my desiring you to communicate the affair to Doc r 
Auchmuty, M r Inglis, & M r Ogilviee and if the good Rector and 
the rest of the very respectable Clergy of your City should 
approve of the thing and would allow of Contributions being 
given in their Churches on a Christmas Day or any other Time 
that would be tho’t most Proper, which from their Example 
might and I verily believe would become general throughout the 
Colonies; by which means a larg Fund might be established for 
the Purpose of founding a Seminary amongst the 6 Nations, 
which after a regular and well digested Plan might be laid 
before the Public by S r William who you are sensible is extream- 
ly capable of doing it; who assured me at Amaganseth Long 
Island from -whence I am just returned after having had the 
great Pleasure & satisfaction of spending near a Week with Sir 


TIIE SIX NATIONS. 


489 


W in and his Nephew M r Dease a regular bred Physician who 
besides the Advantages of a very genteel & learned Education 
in Ireland has studied under the most able Professors in France 
for 5 years there are two other G cn in S r Williams Retenue viz M r 
Daily a very genteel well bred Person, and M r Adams who has 
been with S' W m ever since his first coming to America. The 
good Baronite observed that if your answer to my Letter which 
(shall communicate to him, agreeable to his desire) should it 
Succeed agreeable to my Wishes (and should meet with that 
favourable Reception that I flatter my self it will,) He would 
push the affair with Gov r Tryon, Gov 1 ' Franklin, & Gov r Penn to 
his utmost all three of the Gov rS I am well assured would take 
very particular Pleasure in obliging S' W m out of a personal 
Regard to him and S r William might with the utmost Propriety 
ask it as those very Indians have been by his Influence over 
them the means not only of saving this Country but of Con¬ 
quering Canada. I observed farther to Sir W m that it would be 
the means of expediting the sending of a Bishop into America 
who assured me nothing could [afford] him greater Pleasure; 
and that he would recommend it in the strongest Manner to the 
Ministry at Home, and farther very justly observed that there 
were several Gen n in orders now at New York that were fit to 
personate the Character of a Bishop and would be made no 
Doubt do Honor to the exalted Station, and who knows but 
that the Gentleman is now in your .City (and that I may 
have the Honor of being his Chaplain) who may preside in some 
Measure over the proposed Seminary—much, very much there¬ 
fore depends upon the Resolution the good Gentlemen of the 
Clergy in your City shall make upon this occasion; and suffer 
me to say it’s an affair of as much Consequence as ever was 
laid before you or perhaps ever may be—Why may not Sir 
William be the means of introducing Learning & Religion 
amongst the Indians, and civilize them as well as Peter the 
Great did the Muscovites and altho S r W ,n like Solomon has 
been eminent in his Pleasures with the brown Ladies, yet he 
may lay the Foundation of a Building in the Mohawk Country 
that may be of more real use, than the very splendid Temple 
that Solomon built and I dare say that the Queens of the Sene- 


490 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


cas, Oneydas, Onondagoes, Cayugas, Tuscoraras, & Mohawks, 
may joyn in their Observations with the Queen of Sheba and 
with the same Truth say, that not one half was told them. 

This in a great Measure might prevent the Presbyterians, who 
are tucking and squeezing in every possible Crevice they can, 
their Missionarys amongst the Indians, who from their Solemnity, 
and ungraceful stiffness, and those recluse and unsociable 
dejected, Airs, which so remarkably distinguishes those splenetic 
& frightened Enthusiasts : for while these are continued ; Piety 
is quite striped of it’s own proper Ornaments, and assumes the 
Habit of Craft Vice and Illnature.—and is enough to prejudice 
the Indians against the sublime Truths of the Gospel. 

I verily believe that five or Six Thousand pounds Sterling 
might with S r W mS Influence be easily raised in the Colonies and 
abundantly more in England and Ireland and some in Scotland— 
and altlio Sir W m settled the Line between the English & the 
Indians in the year 1768 was he to ask grants of Lands for the 
above purpose, they w r ould very readily give large Tracts of 
Lands; which in Time would make it not only the richest 
Seminary in this Country, but it might in a Century or tw r o vie 
with any in Europe, and by doing this Sir W m will add to the 
Character of the great, that of the good Man, for without a Com¬ 
pliment, we may very justly say of Sir W m that he is remarkably 
eminent for those virtues, which have a peculiar nobleness and 
Beauty attending them—He is ever been remarkable for a firm 
Integrity that no Temptations can corrupt, for a disinterested 
Generosity and good will to mankind, for a Temper of Sympathy 
and Friendship, of gentleness and condescention and to enume¬ 
rate no more particulars, for Modesty (in opposition to Ostenta¬ 
tion and Arrogance, which while it declines and seems least fond 
of Applause,) is generally the most sure of obtaining it—and lie 
is possessed of those easy and unafleeted Charms of a very 
genteel Deportment which strike and captivate every beholder 
which makes the most indifferent of his Actions not only tolera¬ 
ble but even graceful.—whereas in some, particularly in a certain 
Admiral, not far from Boston, who for the most part has a 
Stiffness, Violence, and Rudeness that renders even the best of 
his Actions offensive—I am very confident thatS r William would 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


491 


refuse doing a Favour with an infinitely better grace than 
Admiral Montagu would confer one. but I must confess that I 
am greatly prejudiced against M r Montagu for which I have very 
good Reason and therfore will say no more about him.—I shall 
write to Gov r Franklin myself as well as Gov r Hutchinson and 
Gov 1 ' Wanton 1 the former & the latter I have the honor of an 
intimate Acquaintance with and Govern r Wanton & his Son who 
was formerly Lieu 1 Governor of the Colony are botli very zealous 
Churchmen and who I am very confident upon an application 
made to them would strongly recommend the matter to the 
Clergy of Rhode Island and would themselves contribute very 
genteelly to so useful, so noble, so godlike a Design—S r William 
assured me that I might make use of his name upon the Occasion 
and I therefore beg that you would lay this Matter before the 
Gen n of the Cloth in your city—And I should be extreamly 
happy if I might favoured with an Answer before S r Williams 
Return to Johnson Hall. 

Why may you not be the means of my being provided for as 
well as your serving my Brother Luke 3 with Col 0 Philips—you 

1 For a Sketch of the Wanton family, See Updike’s Hist, of the Naragansett 
Church. 295. 

2 Rev. Luke Babcock was the youngest son of Chief Justice Babcock, of Rhode 
Island ; he was born about 1738. lie graduated at Yale College in 1755, and 
afterwards commenced the study of divinity. In 1771, the Rev. Luke Babcock 
was recommended by the clergy of New-York, being lately ordained by the Bi¬ 
shop of London as a proper person for a Missionary,'and Col. Philipse having re¬ 
quested that the mission of Philipsburgh, formerly filled by the Rev. Harry 
Munro, should be renewed, they accordingly appointed Rev. Luke Babcock to 
the mission. King’s Coll. N. Y. conferred the degree of A. M, on him in 1774. 
On the breaking out of the revolution, his papers were examined, and because he 
answered affirmatively tothe question, whether he considered himself bound by his 
oath of allegiance to the King, he was deemed an enemy to the liberties of Ame¬ 
rica, and ordered to Hartford, where he was detained from October, 1776, to 
February, 1777. Under this treatment his health gave way, and he was ordered 
to remove within the lines of the King’s army. “ He got home in a raging fever 
and delirious,” and died on the 18th of February, 1777, extremely regretted. 
u indeed, (says Mr. Seabury) I know not a more excellent man, and I fear his 
loss, especially in that mission, will scarcely be made up.” “ He was not only 
(adds Mr. Inglis) exemplary in his life and assiduous in his pastoral duty, but 
distinguished by his steady loyalty and warm attachment to the constitution in 
Church and State.” His remains wire deposited in the family vault of the Van 
Cortlandts. By his wife, Grace Isaacs, a cousin of Judge Isaacs of New-Haven, he 


492 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


may possibly imagine that a person who has had such remarkable 
Sallys of Intemperance could not make a serious clergyman but 
I give you my Honor and lam sure you’l believe me that for 14 
Months past I have totally abstained from Wine and Spirits finding 
upon repeated Trial that there is something it. my Constitution 
that at present will not bear it. 

Be so good as to let me hear from you as soon as you 
conveniently can upon this most interesting Subject in which 
the Happiness and Usefulness of Thousands yet unborn may so 
much depend 

t am with the utmost Sincerity & Truth 
Rev d & Dear Sir 

Your most Obedient 

& most humble Servant 

Rev d M r Miles Cooper. IT. Babcock 1 

left two sons, Cortlandt and Frederick; the latter was the father of the late Mrs 
W. L. Morris, of Yonkers. He also left one daughter, Henrietta, who married 
a Mr. Richard Saltonstal, of New T -York. There is a fine portrait of the Rev 
Luke Babcock in the possession of Mrs. Babcock, of St. Marks Place, N. Y. Ho 
Is represented in gown and bands, his head reclining on his right arm. which rests 
upon a book. There is something extremely calm and placid in his countenance, 
coi responding with his benevolent mind. Bolton. 

1 Col. Henry Babcock, eldest brother of the Rev. Luke B., was born in 1736, 
entered Yale College at the age of twelve, and took his degree when sixteen year* 
old. At the age of eighteen he was Captain of an independent company of infan* 
try, and at nineteen marched to Albany, thence to Lake George, where he form* 
ed part of the force under Col. Williams, which was defeated by Baron Dieskan. 
He was promoted to the rank of Major in the following year; at the age of twenty* 
one was Lieutenant-Colonel, and next year Colonel of the R. I. regiment. In 
1758 he marched 500 men with the army against Ticonderoga, Avhere he had 110 
men killed and wounded. He himself received a musket ball in the knee. He 
was afterwards at the capture of the same fort by Gen. Amherst. In 1761, he 
went to England, where he spent a year, and soon after his return married and 
settled at Stonington, Conn., and commenced the practice of the law. [It seems 
by the above letter, he was desirous to enter orders. We find him afterwards 
engaged in the Lake Superior copper speculations.] When the revolution broke 
out, he jo'ned the whig party, and in 1776 was appointed by the Legislature 
commander of the forces at Newport. He was a man of fine person, accom¬ 
plished manners, commanding voice, and an eloquent speaker. Updike. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


493 


REV. MR. ANDREWS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 


Sir, 

My Health has really suffered so much of late from constant 
Confinement to a School, & from my Attention to the Mission, 
that I have, by the Advice of D r Constable, been obliged to 
make an Excursion abroad for the Recovery of it. A principal 
Inducement to undertake this, was the Arrival of a Clergyman 
at Schenectady, 1 who kindly offered to supply my Place, should 
I absent myself. The care of the School I have committed to a 
Person of Capacity. 

When I left home, I had an Intention of taking the Liberty 
of waiting upon you, & presenting myself as a fit Object of your 
further Recommendation. With this View, I went to Sir John, 
a few' Days before my Departure, that I might, if not improper, 
learn where you w r as to be found ; also upon my Return I com¬ 
municated my Designs to Colonel Johnson, who promised from 
himself to second my Application. Whose Letter, I trust, on 
this Head you will have received by this Time. 

You may recollect, Sir, that I applied to you on the same 
occasion last Winter, when I was apprehensive my Constitution 
con’d not undergo the Servitude of a Mission & School together. 
My Suspicions have been verified much to the Prejudice of my 

1 Rev John Doughty (a.) This gentleman who is supposed to have belonged 
to Westchester, graduated at King’s (now Columbia) College in 1770, after which 
he went to England where he was ordained for the church at Peekskill. He 
moved, however, to Schenectady, as above stated, to which place he was appoint¬ 
ed in 1773 at the request of the Wardens and Vestry. In 1775, divine service 
was suspended in his church, on account of the troubles and he, himself, became 
the object of much harsh treatment. He was taken prisoner twice, and at length 
deemed it prudent, in the fall of 1777, to apply for liberty to remove to Canada 
which he obtained. He thereupon proceeded to Montreal where he was appointed 
Chaplain to his Majesty’s Royal regiment of New York. When he left, his con¬ 
gregation at Schenectady numbered only 59, exclusive of slaves. Of those 12 
were communicants. In 1780, the number was reduced to 27 white adults. He 
continued in Montreal until October 1781 when he repaired to England. He 
returned to Canada 12 June 1784, having been appointed Missionary at Sorel. 

a In the Society's abstracts the name is spelt “ Doty,” we suppose from the pronuncia¬ 
tion. It is printed “ Doughty” in the Catalogue of Columbia Coll. 


494 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


health, Exercise & a Change of Air are the only Expedients 
prescribed for the Recovery of it, which I now intend enjoying, 
in such a Manner, as my Circumstances will afford. But shou’d 
I ever recover, & return to the same Duties, a Relapse probably 
ending in a Consumption wou’d be the fatal Consequence. 

The Venerable Society’s Bounty, & an uncertain Subscription, 
which is daily lessening by the Removal of some of the Congre¬ 
gation to the Country, is a very insufficient Support for a Family 
at Schenectady, & more so as House-rent must be deducted from 
that Pittance. 

These Circumstances when combined together, will clearly 
evince the Hardships I labor under, & render, I hope, my conduct 
justifiable in the Eyes of the Society, & of the People. And 
more particularly so, as I shall engage not to relinquish the 
Mission ’till it is properly supplied, and not even then without 
your Approbation. 

This Gentleman who now officiates in my Room, is personally 
known to Colonel Johnson, & I believe wou’d, if agreeable to 
you & the People, accept the Mission. He is a Relation of M r . 
Ellices. A Person of good Abilities, & a fair*Character. 

Now shou’d you choose to favor me with recommendatory 
Letters to the Southward to such of your Acquaintances as you 
thought proper on this Occasion, I wou’d, depending on their 


Here, for the first four weeks, he performed divine service in the R. Catholic 
church, and afterwards in the barracks where he resided. A place of worship 
was, however, afterwards erected, and Mr. D. continued missionary at this place 
until 1793. u It is with concern (says the Society) that it has received informa¬ 
tion that they are deprived of the useful services of this worthy Missionary, Mr. 
John Doty, by his removal into his native country, to take charge of St. Anne’s 
church at Brooklyn on Long Island in the Province of New York, (Abstract 
of 1794 b.) His connection with this church must however been brief, for his 
name occurs, again in 1796, on the Society’s list as Missionary at Sorel, whither 
he must have returned the previous year. He finally resigned this mission in 
1803, when his connections with the Society for propagating the Gospel ceased 
altogether. Ed. 


5 Mr. Fish, author of the History of St. Anne's Ch: Brooklyn undertakes to say that “ the 
name of Doty does not appear in the record of clergy in the State of N. York at all.” The 
Society's abstracts we presume are good authority for the contrary. Wood and Thompson 
mention his name among the clergy of St. Anne’s. 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


495 


Strength, proceed to Maryland & Virginia, & endeavor to obtain 
one of the vacant Parishes in either of those Provinces. 

I send this inclos’d in M r . Wallaces packet, who tells me he 
purposes leaving this on a Visit to you next Thursday, & before 
then expects being honored with your Letters. At the same 
Time, I intend accompanying him & his Lady, & thereby have an 
opportunity of recovering my Health, .& explaining myself 
further on this Subject, but lest my Health shou’d not permit 
doing myself that Honor, shou’d be very happy, if convenient, 
to hear your Sentiments. 

I hope you have received that Benefit in the Restoration of 
your Health, which all who know you wish, & him particularly 
so, who is with the greatest Respect & Gratitude, 

New York 16 th Sir, your most obedient Servant, 

August 1773. Wm. Andrews. 

The Honorable Sir William Johnson Baronet 


REVD. MR. ANDREWS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Williamsburgh 17 th September 1773. 
Sir, 

Immediately after my Arrival here I waited upon Lord Dun- 
more with your recommendatory Letter, and he told me that no 
vacant Parish had lately elaps’d into his Gift,—and, that if even 
there was one, He cou’d not, consistent with his Engagements, 
promote me over the Heads of Six Candidates then upon his 
List. But, cou’d I find a Vacancy in the Power of the Vestry, 
he wou’d do his utmost to serve me. 

The Circumstances of the Parishes here, I shall endeavor to 
explain to you, as well as the little knowledge I have acquir’d 
will enable me. 

In the first place, there is an Act of Assembly for the Payment 
of 16000 Weight of Tobacco to the Rector of each Parish, reckon’d 
equal to £200 Virginia Currency, which approaches the nearest 
to Sterling, I believe, of any Money on the Continent. The 
Sherrills collect this tithable Commodity for them, or receive in 



406 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Lieu thereof Cash, if agreeable to the Parson; so that no Trouble 
or Inconvenience arises from this Mode of levying their Salaries 
regularly. And as there is an exact Equality in this Taxation, 
the only Advantages one Incumbent has above another proceeds 
entirely from the Prices of Tobacco in the respective Parishes, 
from the different Value of the Glebe Lands & Parsonage House, 
k from their Situation in Point of Health. 

When a Vacancy happens the Power of Presentation is in the 
Vestry for twelve Months after, k then it elapses to the Gover¬ 
nor, who seldom inducts, (unless in new-form’d Parishes,) as 
there are a number continually waiting for Provision. The 
Impossibility of effecting the Removal of an Incumbent, k the 
ill Conduct of some Ministers, has made the Vestry, who are the 
Voice of the Congregation, somewhat more cautious than they 
formerly were in presenting; therefore the general Practice 
which at present prevails, is taking Strangers upon Trial, till 
their moral Conduct, Abilities, & Character from whence they 
came, are discovered. 

Amongst the present Hunters for Livings, I find upon Record 
the Name of the Rev d M r Hanna, who, notwithstanding he has 
seen the King k his Robes, & been strongly recommended from 
England to this Province k that of Maryland, he still remains 
unprovided for by the latest Accounts of him. His Character 
is not known here, nor have I been so uncharitable as to 
acquaint the Clergy with it. It is his Want of Powers to please, 
that has hitherto been the obstacle of his success. 

From this View of the Matter, Sir, which I have troubled you 
with, the Improbability of my obtaining Preferment thro’ his 
Lordship plainly appears. And more especially so, as He seems 
to have little Acquaintance with the Vestry, k less Concern for 
my Interest. 

The very Hay I left New York, I met M r Stuart, on his Way 
to Pensylvania, who told me M r Mosley intended relinquishing 
the Mission at Johnstown, finding it impossible to continue 
longer in the State of Health he then was in, k that he was 
apprehensive of his Disorder’s increasing. Indeed he told me 
when I was there that he wish’d I had his Place. Now r , Sir, as 
I have formerly sollicited you on this Head, k have no Hopes of 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


497 


being able to remove here, I shou’d be extremely happy & con¬ 
tented to undertake that Mission. And shou’d M r Mosley give 
it up voluntarily, I trust in God, you will be good enough to let 
me have it, that is, if you think me agreeable & qualified to 
discharge the Duties of the Mission. 

This wou’d be an effectual Remedy of my present Grievances, 
a probable Restorative of my former Health', & be the greatest 
obligation you cou’d confer on 

Sir, your grateful, & 

most obedient servant 

W. Andrews. 

The Honorable Sir William Johnson Baronet. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO COL. BABCOCK, 

ON THE ACADEMY FOR THE INDIANS. * 

Johnsonhall Nov r 19 th 1773. 
Sir, 

I have had the favor of your Letter, from Stonington, and 
am obliged to you for your kind enquiries about my health, 
w r hich I think somewhat improved. 

There is no doubt from the Letter you inclosed to me that the 
Clergy at Boston w r ould wish well to a design so laudable in 
speculation, but after giving it much attention I am inclined to 
apprehend that there is more difficulty in the execution than 
you seem aware of; success is no Constant attendant on Lauda¬ 
ble designs, they often owe it to party, or to the favorable opera¬ 
tion of lucky Circumstances, and to cool reception and failure 
of some similar view's, tho’ well supported & strongly recom¬ 
mended creates a doubt‘in me of the success of a Scheme 
without any fund, depending on the piety of men in power, or 
the bounty of the public.—perhaps wuthin a little time the 
Scheme may bid fairer for success, when however loath to renew 
applications I w'ould willingly give it my countenance, as it has 
my best Wishes, and I am heartily sorry that the present times 

Von. iv. 32 



498 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


do not appear more favorable to a design that might be produc¬ 
tive of much benefit. 

Be assured that I shall always be glad to see or hear from you 
as I am with truth and regard, Sir 

Your hearty Well wisher 

and very humble Servt. 

Henry Babcock Esq r 

Sir John Col Johnson D r Dease & all here desire to be kindly 
remembered to you. • 


COL BABCOCK TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 


Stonington 28 th Dec r 1773. 
Sir 

I was honoured with your Favour of the 19 th Nov r which 
have now before me, and have read it with the greatest atten¬ 
tion; %nd altho’ I am very loth to be troublesome to you, with 
my Letters, yet have presumed once more to write to you.—I 
observe you are pleased to say, that “ Perhaps in a little Time 
u the Scheme may bid Fairer for Success, when however loth 
u to renew applications, I would willingly give it my Counten- 
u ance, as it has my best Wishes” & c . 

I should be extreamly sorry, to desire any thing of You, that 
would give you the least uneasiness, and I am thoroughly sensi¬ 
ble that no Person can be more delicate than you in asking a 
Favour for your Self. 

But in soliciting Benefactions, for those nations of Indians, 
who you well know, have been very useful in saving this Coun¬ 
try, and adding to it vast acquisitions, as they were improved 
by you the last War.—To civilize Barbarians, and make them 
happy, is a Task as replete with Pleasure, as any I can figure to 
myself. I will readily allow, that there are Difficultys in the Way 
(particularly in establishing a Fund) but Industry & Perseve¬ 
rance will surmount them—I would, could I be authorised by 
you, next Spring chearfully make the Trial throughout the Colo¬ 
nies, in thf ?ame manner that I did in he Town of Newport. 



THE SIX NATIONS. 


499 


and should it meet with the favourable Reception, that I flatter 
myself it would, you would never repent it.—In the Island of 
Jamaica, for the Philadelphia College was raised Eight Thousand 
pounds their Currency; and Charity may be asked with infi¬ 
nitely more Propriety for the Indians, than the Philadelphians, 
who are of themselves, well able to support a Seminary without 
any foreign Assistance. 

Success (as you may justly observe) is no constant Attendant 
“ on laudable Designs, they owe it often to Party and the favour¬ 
able opperations of lucky Circumstances” and may we not 
venture to add that it’s often owing to the invisible hand of 
God.—The Story of Joseph and his Bretheren, as mentioned in 
the old Testament does not appear more striking to Me than 
your first settling in this Country.—The Place you pitched upon 
to settle, and in Consequence of that, the surprizing Influence 
you had over the Indians, and the great Benefits resulting from 
that Influence—The many narrow Escapes you have run, not 
only the common Chances of War, but the high Rewards olferd 
to the french Indians either to assasinate You, or take You Pri¬ 
soner, and your eluding all their repeated Efforts ; it cannot be 
enthusiastical, for me to say, that there was a kind Providence 
that protected you ; and your most valuable Life I stil believe, 
is reserved, to lay the Foundations of civilizing & christianising 
those numerous Nations of Indians, at present ignorant of the 
vast Blessings in store for them. 

Please to accept of my sincerest Thanks, for the kind Manner 
in which you are pleased to express yourself in my behalf; and 
return my Compliments to Sir John, & the rest of the Gentlemen 
of your vicinity—am not determined, whether I shall do myself 
the Honour of paying You a visit this Winter, but if I do not 
this Winter fully intend it in the Spring. 

I am with greatest Esteem 
Your most obedient 

& most humble Servant 

Henry Babcock. 


Sir William Johnson. 


500 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


Sill WM. JOHNSON TO THE REVD DR. HINDS. 

Johnson hall March 8 th 1774. 
Sir, 

In my Letter of November last to you I laid before the Vene¬ 
rable Society a General Sketch of the present State of the Mis¬ 
sions in this Quarter, and of some late Changes respecting them, 
wherein I had occasion to acquaint you with the manner in 
which the Rev u M r Mosley was introduced to the Mission at 
Johnstown in my neighbourhood, and of the precarious State of 
his health for some time past;—Since which he has been under 
the Necessity of acquainting me, that he can no longer undertake 
to discharge the duties of his Office here from the repeated 
attacks of an Epileptic complaint, & is therefore desirous of 
returning to England to his friends, he has not been able to offi¬ 
ciate for some time, his faculties seem much impaired & he has 
retired from the Mission. 

As I have in my last, and former Letters so fully shewn the 
Importance of this Mission in many essential points It is unne¬ 
cessary to observe that it must suffer great disadvantage should it 
continue long unsupplied I have therefore no doubt of the Society’s 
care & attention to promote true Religion in this Infant Settle¬ 
ment by endeavouring to procure some fitting person to under¬ 
take that Charge, as soon as possible as I know of no Candidate 
that offers at present in this Country, tho’ I trust such may be 
found in England amongst Some of those Gent s who have but 
small incomes with large families for whom they can make 
a better provision in America than at home, At the same time 
I shall in Conjunction with the Clergy of this Province make 
the most diligent enquiry in order to have it supplied here if 
possible as a Congregation so large & promising & that must in a 
little time influence a large extent of Country deserves much 
attention; and I think it very necessary to make a private observa¬ 
tion that this part of the Country is not Circumstanced like the 
Old Settlements on the Sea Coasts, where the Missionarys are in 
fact usefull only to a select few, where all their Neighbours, are 
bigotedly attached to their respective Sects, & seldom come 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


501 


within the Pale of the Church, but here the Inhabitants are for 
the most part very ignorant, k have been chiefly invited by the 
fertility of the Soil, k the advantage of fine Communicat ns for 
transporting their produce, and as they were of the poorer k 
lower Class of Adventurers from diff 1 Countries they have in 
general very little acquaintance with any Religion, & a Minister 
can not be accus’d of interfering amst them so that the first 
Church which goes on Successfully & without interruption must 
attach them all, k not only them but all those who are in the 
same predicament, who are really the bulk of the people in a 
Country that settles amazingly fast all of whom may in time 
become Zealously attached to our Constitution in Church & State 
if duly attended to in their Infancy. The Independ ts & other 
Dissenters are so sensible of this that repeated applicat n has 
been made for the use of the Ch: often by Itinerant preachers 
whenever the Minister was absent for that purpose I leave you 
to Judge from the Sly Artifices as well as public attacks prac¬ 
tised by them against the Ch: of England in America;— 

As I do not recollect any material occurrence since my last, I 
have only to offer my best Regards to the Society, k most 
Cordial Wishes, for the prosperity of their pious & Laudable 
endeavors assuring you that I am with much Esteem Sir &ca. 

The Rev d D r Hind* 1 

1 Rev. RicnARD Hind, D. D., son of Dr. John Hind, rector of Fendon, Sus¬ 
sex, was born at Boddington in Northamptonshire, in 1715; entered Oxford 
about 1730, and obtained his degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1749; became rector 
of Shering, Essex 1754, and of St. Anne, Westminster, 1766, both of which he 
vacated in 1778 for the Vicarages of Rochdale, Lancashire, and Skipton, York 
shire, on account of a dispute which he had with his Curate in St. Anne’s, parti¬ 
culars of which are given in the 47th Vol. of the Gent. Mag. He was also pre- 
bendary of St. Paul’s. Dr. Hind died at Rochdale, l^th Feb., 1790, set 75. 
Some of his sermons have been printed. Nichols’ Literary Anecdotes. He was 
succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Wm. Morrice as Secretary of the Society for prop 
the Gosp.—E d. 


1 • 


502 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


THE CHURCHWARDENS OF SCHENECTADY TO SIR WM. 
JOHNSON. 


Honourable Sir, 

The very humane Treatment which we have constantly expe¬ 
rienced from you is, and we hope ever will be gratefully remem- 
bred by us. In particular we think ourselves greatly indebted 
to your kindness and Generosity in assisting us on a recent 
occasion with your good and seasonable Advice and supporting 
us with a Promise of your friendly Interposition in our Favour. 
We should esteem ourselves highly culpable had we not invari¬ 
ably attended to the Path which you directed us to pursue, and 
which we doubt not will lead us to the full enjoyment of our 
Wishes. In our way Homeward, agreeable to your desire, we 
w r aited upon Co 1 Johnson, who readily drew up for us an address 
to the Venerable Society. A Copy of this address we sent imme¬ 
diately, and hope it has been received previously to the Anni¬ 
versary Session. Soon after the first we sent a Second Copy in 
case the former should miscarry and as we thought it proper 
to acquaint the Reverend Clergy of New York with our Inten¬ 
tion we enclosed it to them unsealed, requesting that after they 
had perused it they would be so kind as to seal and forward it 
by the first opportunity, at the same Time soliciting their 
Friendship. When several weeks had passed without hearing 
from them, We wrote a Line requesting to know by whom they 
had sent the addresses, to us, its safety was a matter of Conse¬ 
quence. In answer to this D r Auchmuty inform’d us that u no 
other opportunity offering he had sent it by the Pacquet.” The 
reason of this Evidqpt Contempt of the latter part of our request 
we are at a loss to assign, unless it may be collected out of a 
Letter which we received from M r Andrews soon after he left 
us dated at New r York in which he says u I really am somewhat 
afraid the Society’s Salary will not be continued at Schenectady. 
And it is the opinion of Doc r Auchmuty and M 1 Inglis that it 
will not. They think it perversion of that Bounty which ought 
to be extended to much larger Bodies of People who are w ithout 
divine worship in several parts of this and the Neighbouring 


THE SIX NATIONS. 


503 


Provinces.” If such are the Sentiments of those Reverend Gen¬ 
tlemen we cannot help thinking that either they have a very 
imperfect knowledge of the State of our Church ; or if otherwise, 
some very unaccountable prejudice against us. 

As we labour under many disadvantages for want of a charter, 
we embraced the happy opportunity of addressing His Excel¬ 
lency the Governor on that subject by S r John who generously 
promised us his benevolent offices, and at whose return we are 
in no Doubt of receiving a very favourable answer. We beg 
your Indulgence in thus detaining you as we are prompted to it 
by a sense of the Duty which we owe you, and which shall ever 
be acknowledged by 

Honourable and greatly respected Sir 

Your much obliged and very humble Servants 

J. W. Brown. 
Robt. Clench. 1 

Schenectady March 21 st 1774. 


SIR WM. JOHNSON TO CHURCHWARDENS OF SCHENECTADY. 

Johnson-hall April 1* 1774. 

Gentlemen, 

I received your Letter and am sorry to hear that you have 
any Apprehensions of the dislike of the Society or Clergy as 
tending to withdraw the Mission, but I am inclined to believe 
that l"ou are alarmed without sufficient cause, for, whatever 


1 Robert Clench was married to Hannah Vernon at Laycock, Lancaster Co. 
Penn, on the 6th May 1758, by the revd Geo. Craig, episcopal Minister. He had 
three sons, Ralph, Benjamin and Thomas, and three daughters, Rebecca, Eliza¬ 
beth and Euretta. He was a zealous friend of St. George’s Church, and was the 
first to cause Stoves to be introduced into that edifice, an innovation which dis¬ 
turbed the minds of many who did not approve of such novelties. Mr. Clench 
took the oath of allegiance to the United States on the 25th July 1778, & died in 
the latter part of 1781. His will bears date 10 Sept, and it was proved on 21st 
Dec. of that year. His wife survived him seven years. She was buried in St. 
George’s cemetery Dec. 2, 1788. Letter of Rev. Wm. Payne, rector of St. 
George’s 



504 


PAPERS RELATING TO 


misrepresentations M r Andrews or any other person may have 
been Guilty of, It is improbable that the Society would with¬ 
hold their Assistance without a particular enquiry into the state 
of the Congregation, and as I believe that the Mission was prin¬ 
cipally established thro’ my recommendation thereof to the 
Society, I should naturally Conclude that they would communi¬ 
cate their thoughts to me before they determined on Withdraw¬ 
ing it, from all which considerations I should think, you have 
not much to apprehend on that head, should it prove otherwise 
I shall willingly assist in recommending your Church to the 
farther attention of the society, as I am always its hearty well- 
wisher and your very humble Servt. 
to Mess rs Clench & Brown 
Schenectady. 


RE YD. R. MOSLEY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. 

Sir William * 

I am at a loss to express my Gratitude to You ; for Y our 
unbounded Goodness to me during My Residence at Johnstown 
and particularly at my Departure—I shall allways retain a most 
gratefull sense of Your Generosity : And that it may please God 
long to prolong your Life, and possess you with a good state of 
Health will be the Constant prayers & wishes of One who has 
the Honor of subscribing Himself (Sir William) 

Y r our much obliged 
& very Humble SeH 

R. Mosley. 

P. S. Please to present my best Respects to D r Dease, and 
Comp ts to M r Daily &c— 

New-York Ap r y e 11 th 74. 



MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN STUART, D. D. 

THE LAST MISSIONARY TO THE MOHAWKS. 

The conversion and civilization of the American Indians 
engaged the attention of Europeans at an early date. The 
christianizing of the Iroquois especially became the object of the 
Jesuits of Canada as far back as 1642, and a few years afterwards 
Father Jogues laid down his life on the Mohawk river, for the 
Gospel. The Dutch who first colonised these parts, did not give 
the subject much consideration. The clergy at the Manhatans 
succeeded in teaching one young savage the prayers so that he 
could repeat the responses in church, and also to read and write 
well. He was then furnished with a Bible artd was sent to evan¬ 
gelize the heathen. But he pawned the book for brandy, became 
a thorough beast and did more harm than good. 1 

The government of New York did not make any effort to 
christianize the Five Nations further than to pay, for some time, 
a small salary to the clergyman at Albany to attend to the wants 
of such Indians as might apply to him. The Rev. M r Freeman 
of that city translated a great part of the English liturgy, the 
morning and evening prayers, the litany, the Athanasian Creed, 
with some passages of the old and New Testament into the Indian 
tongue, but those professing to be Christians in 1710, are repre¬ 
sented as u so ignorant and scandalous-that they can scarce be 
reputed Christians.” 2 In 1712, Mr. Andrews was sent as a 
Missionary to the Mohawks by the Society for propagating the 
Gospel, and a church was built at the mouth of the Scohary 
creek, but this Missionary soon abandoned the place, and as he was 
the first, so was he the last, that resided among them for a great 
many years, the Society afterwards contenting themselves with 
imitating the policy of the government and allowing a small 
stipend to their clergyman at Albany to act as a missionary to 
the Mohawks. In which capacity he did them but very little 
good. 

In 1748, the people of New England turned their attention to 
this field of labor, and the Rev d Mess rs Spencer, Woodbridge, 

1 O’Call. N. Netherfand ii., 319. 


2 N. T. Doct. Hist. iii. 


506 


MEMOIR OF THE 


* > 

and Hawley visited successively the tribes on the Mohawk and 
Susquehannah rivers. 1 The commencement of the French war, 
soon afterwards, interrupted all missionary efforts west of Albany, 
which were not renewed until 1761, when the Rev d Dr.Wheelock 
directed his attention to that quarter, and endeavoured by intro¬ 
ducing Indians, as missionaries and schoolmasters, to reclaim 
the Natives from their savage life. He gives the result of his 
efforts and experience, in these words: 

£ 

“Among those whom I have educated, there have been near forty who were 
good readers and writers, and were instructed in the principles of the Christian 
religion, as their age, and time, would admit, and were sufficiently masters of 
English grammar, arithmetic, and a number considerably advanced in a knowl¬ 
edge of Greek and Latin, and one of them carried through college, and was a 
good scholar, and others carried through a course of learning with not less expence 
for each of them, than would have been necessary to have supported an English 
youth through a course of collegiate studies, and they have generally behaved 
well while they were with me, and left my school with fair and unblemished 
characters, and under the influence of every motive I could set beford'fhem, to a 
good improvement of the distinguishing talents which God had committed to 
them, and many of them have gone immediately from my school into good, and 
reputable business, and such business as they were equal to, and generally to 
serve as schoolmasters, but some as interpreters, kc. and nothing has prevented 
their being imployed usefully, and reputably in various capacities till this day, 
but their want of fortitude to resist the power of those fashionable vices which 

were rampant among all their tribes.Of all the number before mentioned, 

I dont hear of more than half who have preserved their characters unstain’d, 
either by a course of intemperance or uncleanness, or both j and some who on 
account of their parts, and learning, bid the fairest for usefulness, are sunk down 
into as low, savage, and brutish a manner of living as they were in before any 
endeavours were used with them to raise them up: and there are some»of whom 
I did, and do still entertain hope that they were really the subjects of God’s 
grace, who have not wholly kept their garments unspotted amongst the pots. 
And six Of those "who did preserve a good character, are now dead.” 2 

The necessity of having missionaries of the church of England 
resident among the Mohawks was again brought before the 
Society for the propagation of the Gospel a few years before the 
Revolution, both by Sir W m Johnson and the Rev. M r Inglis of 
New-York, the last of whom also laid the subject before the 
government in England in the form of a Memorial. In the year 
1770, the Society again consented to ordain a Missionary for the 
exclusive service of the Mohawks. 


1 N. Y. Doc. Hist. iii. 


2 Wheelock’s Narr. for 1771, p. 19. 



REV. JOHN STUART D. D. 


507 


John Stuart, who was selected*for this purpose, was born at 
Harrisburg in Pennsylvania in 1740. The family mansion in 
which he first saw the light was yet standing in 1836. His 
father, Andrew Stuart, came to America from the town of Omagh 
in Ireland, about the year 1730 ; besides the subject of this 
memoir he had three sons, James, Andrew & Charles. The first 
died young ; the others—Andrew and Charles—died some years 
ago, both at an advanced age, in the Western part of Pennsyl¬ 
vania, having been in the worst of times, staunch supporters of 
the cause of American liberty. They were all men of great 
physical strength 1 . At an early age John Stuart evinced a dis¬ 
position for serious studies, and when he graduated at the College 
of Philadelphia he had made up his mind to join the commu¬ 
nion of the Church of England. This determination exposed 
him to much difficulty, for his father was a rigid Presbyterian, 
and expected his children to conform to his religious opinions 2 . 
M r Stuart’s patience at last overcame his father,s prejudices, and 
he was allowed to proceed to England, being recommended by 
the Clergy of Pennsylvania for ordination 3 . He received holy 
orders in the year 1770, and was appointed Missionary to the 
Mohawks at Fort Hunter. He arrived at the scene of his future 
labors and preached his first sermon at Canajoharie, on Christ¬ 
mas day of the same year. His routine now was, to preach 
every Sunday; first to the Indians, after service had behn per¬ 
formed in their own language. Divine service was, next, read 
in English to a congregation of 200 persons and upwards. In 
the afternoon, he officiated in the Mohawk Chapel, to the white 
people, most of whom were Dutch, and who had no stated place 
of worship 4 . In 1774, he was able to read the Liturgy and the 
several offices of baptism, marriage &c to his flock, and converse 
tolerably well with them, on common subjects in their own lan¬ 
guage, but he found great difficulty to convey to them any 
distinct ideas on divine subjects, for want of a constant interpre¬ 
ter, from which cause, also, he could but seldom preach to them. 
To supply these and other deficiencies, he undertook a transla- 

1 Geo. Okill Stuart’s letter. 2 London Colonial Church Chronicle, No. ii. 

3 Soc’ty’s Abstract, 1771. 4 Abstract, 1772. 


508 


MEMOIR OF THE 


tion of a part, of the New Testament, and, with the assistance it 
is said of Brant, prepared a Mohawk translation of St. Mark’s 
gospel, a large and plain Exposition of the Church Catechism, 
and a Compendious History of the Bible 1 . In addition to his 
regular duties, he officiated once a fortnight at Johnstown with¬ 
out any remuneration. Service was read to the Mohawks at 
Canajoharie by Paulus Sahonwadi, the Indian Schoolmaster. 
Some idea of the difficulties attendant on conveying elementary 
instruction to the Indians in those days may be formed from the 
circumstance that the teacher had no elementary books. Paulus 
& the other Mohawk teachers taught the Alphabet &c by means 
only of little manuscript scraps of paper. It was not until several 
years after, that Col. Claus composed a short primer for 
them. 2 

In the year 1775 commenced the upheaving of those elements 
which in a short time terminated in the birth of this Republic. 
The agitation which followed rent society in pieces, and many 
who had been previously neighbours and friends, now found 
themselves enemies, and opposed to each other in the deadliest 
hostility. Suspicion stalked abroad and those who, from what¬ 
ever motive, shrank from approving the new order of things 
were denounced and arrested, if they had not already abandoned 
their homes. No class was so uncompromising in its loyalty as 
the clergy of the Church of England in this State, and they in 
consequence, did not fail to experience the bitter effects of their 
own unwise resolution. 

Mr. Stuart however did not experience any inconvenience 
at first; indeed he remained undisturbed at Fort Hunter, 
for some time even after the Declaration of Independence, 
and constantly performed divine service without omitting 
the prayers for the king, "as prescribed in the Liturgy. In 
the Spring of 1777, Gen 1 Herkimer received intelligence that 
some persons belonging to Tryon County intended to join the 
enemy at Niagara; he ordered a watch on the high road, which 
prevented their passage, and on being fired at, they retreated 
and lost their bundles. On the next day, two packs of letters 


1 Abstract, 1775. 


2 Abstract for 1782, p, 48. 


509 


REV. JOHN STUART, D. D. 

were picked up by a squaw not far from the road. One of these 
letters, though not subscribed, was supposed almost for certain, 
to be the hand writing of Rev<* M' Stuart, Minister of the 
Mohawk Castle, and the whole were forwarded to the Provincial 
Congress. On examination, however, the papers were found to 
be of such little importance that they were returned to the com¬ 
mittee of Tryon County. M r Stuart’s continued residence at 
Fort Hunter now became dangerous alike to himself and his 
family. St. Leger had raised the siege of Fort Schuyler ; Bur- 
goyne had surrendered ; the Indians, who had hitherto protected 
their Minister, had abandoned their homes, & with Brant were 
laying waste the country between the Susquehanna and the 
Mohawk rivers. Mr. Stuart’s connexion with the Johnson family 
and Ins relations to the Indians rendered him particularly 
obnoxious to the Whigs. His house was attacked, his property 
plundered and every indignity offered his person. His church 
was also plundered, then turned into a tavern and in ridicule 
and contempt a barrel of rum was placed on the reading desk. 
It was afterwards used as a stable, and finally served as a fort. 1 
He became thus necessitated to remove, and in June 1778, the 
Board appointed for detecting Conspiracies were advised of his 
residence in Schenectady. 

It was represented to them that u Mr. Stuart would have it in 
his power to convey Intelligence from that Place to the Indians, 
and as lie had always been a declared Enemy to the Liberties of 
America, it would be necessary to Order him down the Country.” 
This information was received on the 11 th June and on the 25 th 
M r Stuart was ordered to “ repair with his family forthwith to 
the State of Connecticut until his exchange could be procured, 
and that he sett off in four Days after this Resolution is 
delivered to him, and on his failure to comply herewith it is 
ordered that he be put into close confinement.” 

Mr. Stuart appeared before the Commissioners two days after 
the above order, and u declared his readiness to convince them 
that he had not corresponded with the enemy, and that he was 
ready and willing to enter into any engagement for the faithful 

1 Abstract for 1782, ut ante. Journal of the N. Y. Prov. Cong. i. 883; ii. 
415, 416. 


510 


MEMOIR OF THE 


performance of such matters as might be ehjoyned him.” It 
was therefore resolved that he “ enter into Parole not to do or 
say any Thing in opposition to the Measures pursued by the 
Congress of the United States of America., or by the Legislative 
or executive Powers of either of the said States, and that he 
shall and will not hold any correspondence by word or Deed 
upon Politikal Matters with any of the enemies of the said 
United States of America or either of them, and not to depart 
the Limits of the Town of Schenectady without Permission from 
one of the Members of this Board.” 1 

He returned accordingly to his assigned residence whence he 
writes on the 28 th Sept, following. “ My situation is rather 
disagreable, being deserted by almost all my Congregation. 
There remains only three families, the others having, at different 
times, joined the Kings Forces. I have not preached within 
these last two years” 2 The winter of 1778, was thus passed in 
Schenectady, and as the country to the west was about to become 
the theatre of war, M r Stuart ventured to move to Albany in the 
early part of the summer of 1779. But he was ordered back 
on the 24 th June to his old quarters. 3 

In the spring of 1780, the Indians again made their appear¬ 
ance on the Mohawk river, infuriated rather than humbled by 
the punishment which Gen. Sullivan had inflicted on them in 
the course of the preceding summer. The situation of affairs 
in the neighborhood of Schenectady obliged M r Stuart early in 
June once more to abandon his house and take sanctuary in 
Albany. So imminent was the danger that the guns of the 
enemy were heard for several hours previous to his retirement, 
and lie adds, “ we could see several houses in flames from our 
windows.” 4 

During this sojourn he experienced much civility from Genl 
Schuyler and obtained permission to visit Philadelphia. Happen- 

1 Minutes of Coramrs. for Detecting Conspiracies (in State Lib.) i, 69, 87,88. 

2 Rev. Mr. Stuart to Rev. Mr. (afterwards Bishop) White. 28 Sept 1778. 
The extracts from this correspondence, inserted in this Memoir, have been 
obligingly furnished by Geo. Okill Stuart, Esq., of Quebec, grandson of the Rev. 
Mr. Stuart. 

8 Min. of Com. of Consp. ii. 28 June 1779. 4 Letter of 12 June 1780. 


511 


REV. JOHN STUART, D. D. 

ing to pass whilst in that city through one of its thoroughfares, 
his progress was arrested by a crowd which a young man was 
haranguing, at the moment, on the course of public events. 
Hearing a remark from a bystander flattering to the personal 
appearance of the orator, M r Stuart unguardedly made a caustic 
though humorous remark on the same subject, and then proceed¬ 
ed to his Lodgings. The observation circulating through the 
crowd, aroused considerable indignation and the meeting adjourn¬ 
ed for the purpose of inflicting personal chastisement on the 
person who had been so bold as to utter it. M r Stuart received 
timely notice from a friend of these hostile intentions, but nothing 
could prevail on him to retreat before the impending danger. 
He resolved to face it, not fly from it. Fortunately, to the Rev. 
M r White and others interfered, and the indignation of the 
people was appeased . 1 

On his return to the North, he found matters in nowise 
improved, and thereupon made up his mind to emigrate to 
Canada. He communicated his resolution to M r White in these 
words :— 

“ I arrived here safe in eight days from the time I parted with you, and found 
my family well,* and after being sufficiently affrighted, the enemy having been 
within twenty miles of this place, had within one mile of my house in the country 
without doing .me any damage. The particulars you have heard I suppose,—they 
retreated with the loss of about 30 taken, & few or none killed. **** Consider¬ 
ing the present situation of affairs in this part of the Province, I am fully persua¬ 
ded, that I cannot possibly live here secure, either in regard to ourselves or 
property during the ensuing season;—this place is likely to be a frontier, & will * 
probably be burnt if the enemy can effect it. I have lost a considerable part of 
my stock while in Philadelphia, partly by public and partly by private robbers. 
For these and other weighty reasons, maturely weighed, I have resolved (with 
the approbation & consent of Mrs. Stuart) to emigrate to Canada; and have made 
application for an exchange, which I have reason to believe, will be granted.”2 

In conformity with this view he made the following application 
in the course of the ensuing spring to Governor Clinton :— 

“ May it please your Excellency— 

Having been a prisoner on Parole to the Commissioners of Conspiracy for these 
two Years past, and confined to the Town of Schenectady, not being allowed to 
reside on my Farm—my Property not protected—These, with other Reasons, 
induce me to wish for Permission to remove to Canada with my Family:—I have 

1 Letter of G. 0. Stuart, Esq. 2 Letter of Nov. 13. 1780. 


512 


MEMOIR OF THE 


therefore presumed to apply to your Excellency for • Permission to be exchanged 
for Some Citizen of this State now a Prisoner in Canada, and that I may be 
allowed to go under the Protection of the first public Flagg.—I will do myself 
the Honor to wait personally upon your Excellency at any Hour that may be 
convenient.—An Answer from your Excellency will much oblige 

u Your most obedient 

t( & very humble servt 

“ Albany March 30th 1781 John Stuart.” 

The permission here prayed for was granted on the same day. 1 
The conditions on which it was obtained are explained by M r 
Stuart in a letter to M r White, dated, Schenectady, 17 th April, 
1781, of which the following is an extract :— 

“ Being considered as a prisoner of war and having forfeited my real estate, I 
have given £400 security to return in exchange for myself one prisoner out of 
four nominated by the Governor, viz one Colonel, two Captains, and one Lieu¬ 
tenant, either of which will be accepted in my stead. Or if neither of the 
prisoners aforesaid can be obtained I am to return as a prisoner of war to Albany 
when required. My personal property I am permitted to sell or carry with me 
according to my own convenience; and am to proceed under the protection of a 
public flag as soon as it w r ill be safe and convenient for women and children to f 
travel that course. We are to proceed from hence to Fort Ann in waggons and 
from thence in Batteaus. Believe me. Dear Sir, I have had occasion to exert all 
my resolution before I could venture on the difficulties that presented themselves 
as the probable concomitants of this journey; But from a variety of circumstances, 
peculiar to my personal and local situation, I had no alternative; therefore, let 
the event be as it will, I shall not think myself accountable for consequences; the 
more especially as Mrs. Stuart is perfectly reconciled to the expediency and 
necessity of the measure. ’Tis probable that, if I reach Canada, I may obtain a 
chaplaincy in Sir John Johnson’s 2d Battalion of Royal Yorkers w T hich is nearly 
complete, and on the establishment. * * * I mean to leave nothing behind 

me here that may impose any necessity upon me of returning to this place 
(provided, such a thing possible) when the w r ar is at an end. I can dispose of 
all my effects either for cash or good bills on Canada, my negroes being personal 
property I take with me, one of which being a young man and capable of bearing 
arms I have given £100 security, to send back a white prisoner in his stead.”2 

t 

Before proceeding farther with this narrative it is necessary 
to notice, for the purpose of correcting, some errors into which 
the Society for propagating the Gospel has fallen in its account 
of the circumstances attendant on M r Stuart’s emigration. 

O 

1 For these Doc’s, see N ; Y: Col. MSS. Yol. CII. 

2 Sims’ Hist, of Schoharie, 135, says, Mr. Stuart sold one of these negroes in 
Montreal for $275 to one Conyn who brought him back to the Mohawk Valley. 


REV. JOHN STUART, D. D. 


513 


“At length in May last (it says) his little farm, though belonging to the 
Society, became forfeited to the State, and was taken away from him. As a last 
resource, he then proposed to open a Latin School for the support of his family, 
but he was not permitted, nor to follow any lucrative occupation whatever. 
Upon this he Applied, and with much difficulty obtained leave to remove into 
Canada, on giving a bond of four hundred pounds with security, either to send a 
Rebel Colonel in exchange, or to return to Albany, and surrender himself a 
prisoner whenever required.” i 

Now, in the first place, the “little farm belonging to the 
Society”—or in other words, the Glebe at Fort Hunter—never 
became forfeited. There is no instance of the State having con¬ 
fiscated church lands, because the occupants—who were mere 
Trustees—happened to be its enemies. All the clergy of Trinity 
church, New York, adhered to the crown, and even one of them 
was attainted. Yet Trinity church still holds its vast property. 
The chapel farm at Fort Hunter was disposed of only some 
years ago, and part of the proceeds, nearly fifteen hundred dol¬ 
lars were laid out in erecting the Episcopal church at Port Jack- 
son in the same town ; and the residue, an equal sum, invested 
in the Episcopal church at Johnstown. 2 

In the second place, there is no evidence, as far as I have 
been' able to investigate, of M r Stuart having applied to the 
Commissioners for permission to open school. A careful exami¬ 
nation of their minutes does not shew any such application. 
Indeed under the circumstances of the times, it is doubtful 
whether a Latin school could have been supported at Schenec¬ 
tady. But his application is represented as having been subse¬ 
quent to the confiscation of the glebe, and this is stated to have 
taken place in May, 1781. “Asa last resource he then proposed 
to open a Latin School.” Now, he applied for, and obtained 
leave to emigrate in March, 1781—and we have seen that he 
had determined to emigrate in Nov. 1780. How then can it be 
sfitted that lie intended to open a school after he had not only 
resolved to leave the country, but actually had in his possession 
Gov. Clinton’s permission to depart ? 

The Society finally represents that this permission was obtain¬ 
ed with much difficulty only on giving a bond to send “ a rebel 
colonel” in exchange. Now, the exchange was not confined to 

i 

1 Abstract for 1782, pp. 45, 46. 2 Sims’ Hist, of Schoharie county, 135 

Vol. iv. 33 


514 


MEMOIR OF THE 


an officer of this grade. M r Stuart, himself, admits that he had 
the choice of four officers, from a Colonel to a Lieutenant inclu¬ 
sive. Truly, we cannot well see how Gov. Clinton could have 
gone lower in the scale of exchanges consistently with the respect 
due to the rank of a Minister of Religion. _ 

M r Stuart set out with his family, then consisting of his w r ife 
and three small children, on his long and tedious voyage, on the 
19 th September 1781 and arrived at St Johns on the 9 th of the 
following month—thus accomplishing in three weeks a journey 
which is now performed in twelve or fifteen hours. As there 
was no opening for him to exercise the duties of his profession at 
Montreal, he took charge of a public school which, with his 
commission as chaplain to the Royal Yorkers, gave him both 
employment and support. In a letter to D 1 White dated 
Montreal October 14 th 1783, he gives his prospects in, and 
impressions of, his new home :— 

“ I have no reason hitherto to dislike my change of climate, but as a reduction 
must take place soon, my emoluments will be much diminished, neither have I 
any flattering prospect of an eligible situation in the way of my profession as 
there are (as yet) only three protestant parishes in this Province, the pastors of 
which are Frenchmen, and as likely to live as I am. We promise ourselves a 
change of the present form of government but that is a contingency and may bo 
further distant than our expectation **. This season has been uncommonly rainy 
and we have had frost in July and could sit very comfortably at a good fire early 
in August or even some times in June. This you will think pretty cold;—But as 
people of our description are supposed to have some warm particles in our com* 
position we must let the heat and the cold combat and balance each other. IIow* 
ever the climate and the soil are extremely fertile affording the necessaries of life 
in great abundance.” 


M r Stuart now set about establishing himself permanently in 
Canada. He selected the antient Settlement of Cataraqui 
distant 60 leagues from Montreal, whither many of the refugees 
had already preceded him, and which possessed a garrison the 
chaplaincy of which he expected with a salary of one thousand 
dollars a year. u I can preserve the Indian Mission in its neigh¬ 
bourhood (he continues) which with other advantages will afford 
a comfortable subsistance—altho’ I wish it laid in Maryland.” 1 

The position of the Protestant Episcopal church in these 
States, unconnected with England and without any resident 


515 


REV. JOHN STUART, D. D. 

Bishop by whom Holy orders could be conferred, and the succes¬ 
sion of the clergy kept up, had now for some time engaged the 
attention of the leading members of that denomination. To 
obviate the difficulty under which they labored, the Rev d M r 
White came out with a pamphlet entitled, u The Case of the 
Episcopal Churches considered ,” in which he proposed among 
other things, a temporary organization conferring on a Conven¬ 
tion composed of representatives, to be elected from the Vestry 
or congregation of the several churches within a given district, 
the power to choose a permanent president, with other clergy¬ 
men to be appointed by the body who might confer Holy orders 
and enforce discipline in the church. 3 A copy of this pamphlet 
was sent by the author to M r Stuart, who admitted that it opened 
a new field of thought, and added — u Notwithstanding I am still 
clogged with all my old prejudices in regard to the Divine right 
and uninterrupted succession of Episcopacy ; yet I must confess 
that youhave said more and with greater plausibility than the sub¬ 
ject, at first view seemed to promise. I admire and reverence that 
spirit of moderation and candour that breathes through the 
whole performance, and at the same time lament the period [is] 
so unfortunate as to require the exertion of such talents in such 
a cause. I hope the present complexion of the times will free 
you from having recourse to such an expedient which I am con¬ 
fident nothing but necessity can have forced you to adopt.” 3 

The subsequent acknowledgment, by England, of the Inde¬ 
pendence of this country having obviated all existing difficul¬ 
ties in the case, Mr. Stuart’s friends entertained the hope of 
winning him back to labor among them, and Dr. Griffith, bishop 
elect of Virginia, invited him to settle in his diocese. But 
notwithstanding the dulccdo natalis solis , Mr. S. declined the 
proposal. Writing in 1785, he says :— 

" I must allow that if you adhere to your Bill of Rights, and establish church 
government on the plan, and according to the spirit of the outlines youhave 
drawn, it will certainly deserve the name of a Reformation. \ 

1 Letter to Bishop White, 1 Feb. 1784. 

2 Wilson’s Life of Bp. White; also White’s Memoirs of the P. E. Chureh 
furnish full information relative to this pamphlet. 

3 Letter of 17 March, 1784. 



516 


MEMOIR OF THE 


must here acknowledge the sense I have of Mr. Griffith’s friendly remembrance 
of me, altho’I despair of being able to accept of his kind proposal. The time 
has been when the chance of obtaining a settlement in that part of Virginia 
wou’d have gratified my utmost ambition. But, at my time of life, and with 
such riveted prejudices in favor of a government totally different from that of the 
United States, I am resolved not to look back, having once put my hand to the 
plow.” i 

Though Mr. Stuart did visit Philadelphia again in 178G or 7, 
he never seems to have repented his removal to Canada. Yet 
the isolation in which he found himself would sometimes natu¬ 
rally call up memories that could not fail to be painful. 

u I can scarcely refrain from dropping a tear to the memory of my old friends 
Who are almost universally gone into banishment and may be considered as dead 
to their country and their friends ! I am the only refugee clergyman in this Pro¬ 
vince. Beardsley, the Sayres, and, I believe, Dr. Seabury are in Nova Scotia but 
I have as yet no correspondence with them, the distance not being less than 400 
miles.” 

As a relief from such thoughts as these he turned to the 
active duties of his calling. u I shall not, (said he) regret the 
disappointment and chagrin I have hitherto met with, if it 
pleases God to make me the instrument of spreading the know¬ 
ledge of his Gospel amongst the heathen and reclaiming only 
one lost sheep of the House of Israel.” 

In this spirit he set out on the 2 d June 1784 to visit the new 
settlements on the S Lawrence, Lake Ontario and Niagara falls 
where he arrived on the 18 th of the same month. Already 3,500 
loyalists had left Montreal that season for Upper Canada. He 
found the lands in general, good ; a range of settlements had 
been formed from the Canadian boundaries to Oswegatchy. 
His reception by the Mohawks, who were settled about ninety 
miles from the falls, was very affectionate. Ev r en the windows 
of the church in which lie officiated were crowded witli those 
who were anxious to behold again their old pastor from whom 
they had been so long separated. He officiated also at Cadara- 
qui where he found a garrison of three companies, about thirty 
good houses and some 1500 souls who intended to settle higher 
\ip the lake. He next proceeded to the bay of Kente, where 


1 Letter of 17th June, 1785. 


REV. JOHN STUART, D. D. 517 

some more Mohawks had settled, who were busy building houses 
and laying the foundations of their new village “ named Tyon- 
deroga.” 1 

Though M r Stuart had now received from the Society, whose 
missionary he continued to be, discretionary power to settle in 
any part of Canada, he remained another year in Montreal, as 
assistant to the Rev. M r Delisle, episcopal clergyman of that 
town. He finally removed in August 1785. His share of the 
public land was situate partly at Cataraqui and partly at a place 
which, in memory of the dear old village on the Mohawk river, 
was called New Johnstown. In a letter written soon after 
he thus describes his new home :— 

“ I have 200 acres within half a mile of the garrison, a beautiful situation and 
tolerable good land. The town increases fast; There are already above 50 houses 
built in it k some of them very elegant; it is now the Port of transport, from 
Canada to Niagara, having a good harbor to contain vessels of large burden—wo 
have now just at the door a ship a scow and a sloop besides a number of small 
craft. And, if the communication lately discovered from this place, by water, to 
Lake Huron k Michilmackinac. proves as safe and short, as we are taught to be¬ 
lieve, this will shortly be a place of considerable trade & consequently an eligible 
situation. I have been fortunate in my locations of land, having 1400 acres 
at different places, in good situations, & of an excellent quality, three farms 
of which I am improving and have sowed this fall thirty bushels in them. The 
Shore is occupied by loyalists forty miles above this town and the lands appropri¬ 
ated forty miles higher up. The number of souls to the westward of us is more 
than 5000 and we gain daily new recruits from the States.—we are poor, happy 
people, industrious beyond example. Our gracious King gives us land gratis and 
furnishes provision and clothing, farming utensils kc. until next September; after 
which, the generality of people will be able to live without his bounty. So much 
for our new settlements. The greatest inconvenience I feel herb is there being 
no school for my boys, but we are now applying to the Legislature for assistance 
to erect an Academy k have great reason to expect success; if I succeed in this 
I shall die here contented.” In the concluding part of this letter he adds, “not¬ 
withstanding all my philosophy and Christian resignation to my fate I must ex¬ 
press that even writing to a friend in that quarter of the world recalls ideas to 
my mind not the most pleasing. But I must banish tfcem and make a virtue of 
necessity. Perhaps I could not live so happily, even in Philadelphia as at Cata¬ 
raqui. I’ll endeavor to persuade myself to it .”2 

Ill May, 1786, he opened an academy at Kingston, and in the 
summer of 1788, he went round his “ parish” which,was, then, 

1 Abstract of 1785; Letters of Aug. 8, 1784 and June 27,1785. 

2 Letter of Nov. 2, 1785. 


618 


MEMOIR OF THE 


above 200 miles long. He thus describes his voyage on this 
occasion, and some other incidents :— 

“I embarked in a Battoe with six indians commanded by Capt. Brant and 
coasted along the north side of Lake Ontario about 200 miles; and from the Head 
of the Lake we went 25 miles, by land, to [New Oswego] the Mohawk village in 
the Grand river which empties into Lake Erie. These people were my former 
charge, &the Society still stiles me their Missionary. I found them convenient¬ 
ly situated on a beautiful river, where the soil is equal in fertility to any I ever 
saw;—Their village contains about 700 souls and consists of a great number of 
good houses with an elegant church in the centre it has a handsome steeple & 
Bell, and is well finished within. You will be surprized when I tell you, they 
have a complete service of church plate, crimson furniture for the pulpit &c 
with the creed,.commandments, Society’s & King’s coat of arms, all very large 
& elegant, and that the Psalmody was accompanied by an organ. This place is 
90 miles from Niagara and was uninhabited four years ago. I returned by. the 
route of Niagara and visited that settlement (they have as yet no clergyman) 
and preached to a very large audience. The increase of population there is 
immense. And indeed, I was so pleased with that country, where I found many 
of my old parishioners, that I was strongly tempted to remove my family to it. 
You may suppose it cost me a struggle to refuse the unanimous &. pressing invi¬ 
tations of a large settlement, with the additional argument of a subscription & 
other emoluments amounting to near £800 York currency per annum more than 
I have here. But, on mature reflection, I have determined to remain here. 
You will suppose me to be very rich or very disinterested: But I assure you 
neither is the case. I have a comfortable house &. good farm here, and an excel¬ 
lent school for my children in a very healthy climate, and all these I could not 
have expected had I removed to Niagara. But that you may be convinced that 
I am determined not to die rich, I have also declined an honorable & lucrative 
appointment. Our new settlements have been lately divided into four districts 
(of which, this place is the capital of one, called New Mecklenburg) and courts 
of Justice are immediately to be opened. I had a commission sent me as first 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. But, for reasons which will readily occur 
to you, I returned it to Lord Dorchester who left this place a few days ago. 
The mention of these circumstances you, perhaps, will call vanity, But as any 
anecdotes concerning you wou’d give me much pleasure to hear; sol flatter 
myself that my friends will be glad to find that even this wilderness has its 
Politics, its competitions, which, altho’ on a small scale, serve to awaken emula¬ 
tion & prevent life from stagnating.” 

In 1789 lie was appointed Bishop’s Commissary for the settle¬ 
ments from Point au Baudette to the Western limits of the 
province—being the district now constituting Canada West. 
Though this appointment added nothing to his emoluments, it 
increased considerably his duties, for the settlements were 
scattered and his flock dispersed hundreds of miles apart. At 


519 


REV. JOHN STUART, D. D. 

the meeting of the first Session of the Colonial Legislature in 1792, 
he was named “Chaplain to the Upper House of Assembly.” 1 
an appointment which required for the time his presence at 
Niagara where the legislature was sitting. He occasionally 
visited, and officiated for the Mohawk villages at the bay of 
Rente where still were preserved the Communion plate and 
furniture given by Queen Anne to the Mohawk Chapel at Fort 
Hunter. But “ notwithstanding the laudable exertions of the 
Society, and the partial indulgence of the British Government to 
this tribe, no flattering accounts can be given either of their 
religious improvements or approach to perfect Civilization.” 
They were found to be “ decreasing fast, owing to their indolence 
and great attachment to spirituous liquors.” 2 

In the year 1799, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred 
on M r Stuart by the University of Pennsylvania. This favour 
proceeding from his Alma Mater and Native Country was doubly 
valuable and honorable in his estimation, and he entertained a 
high sense of the compliment. 3 About the same time he received 
the appointment of Chaplain to the garrison of Kingston. He 
had secured about 4000 acres of valuable land to which he 
occasionally made additions, his circumstances more than equalled 
his most sanguine expectations, and lie felt that, in the enjoy¬ 
ment of health with such prosperity, his situation was as happy 
as it possibly could be. “How mysterious,” he exclaimed, “are 
the ways of Providence! How short sighted are we! Some 
years ago I thought it a great hardship to be banished into this 
wilderness and would have imagined myself compleatly happy 
could I have exchanged it for a place in the delightful city of 
Philadelphia. Now the best wish we can form for our dearest 
friends is to have them removed to us.” 4 

The remainder of D r Stuart’s life seems to have passed in the 
routine of his duties, interrupted, however, by attacks of illness 
to which his increase of years and the fatigue attendant on a 
mission in so new a country could not fail to subject him. He 

1 Abstract of 1798, p. 57. 

2 Abstract for 1796, 53, 54; 1798, 43; 1799, 53. 

3 Letter of 21 Oct., 1799. 

4 Letter of 26 Not., 1798. 


520 MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN STUART, D. D. 

departed this life on the 15 th Aug. 1811 in the seventy-first year 
of his age and was buried in Kingston, where he lives (says 
one of his cotemporaries) in the hearts of Ids friends. 

In personal appearance D r Stuart resembled the other mem¬ 
bers of his family; he was about six feet four inches in height, 
and from tins circumstance was known among his New-York 
friends as “the little gentleman.” His manners were gentle 
and conciliatory, and his character such as led him rather to win 
men by kindness and persuasion, than to awe and alarm them 
by the terrors of authority. His sermons, composed in plain 
and nervous language, were recommended by the affectionate 
manner of his delivery, and not un frequently found a way to 
the consciences of those who had long been insensible to any 
real religious convictions. 1 The honorable title of “Father of 
the Upper Canada Church” has been fitly bestowed on him; and 
he deserved the name not more by his age and the length of his 
services than by the kind and paternal advice and encourage¬ 
ment which he was ever ready to give those younger than lie 
on their first entrance on the mission. 

Ey his wife, Jane Okill of Philadelphia, who was born in 
1752, he had five sons and three daughters. George Okill 
Stuart, the oldest, graduated at Cambridge, Eng.; entered holy 
orders, and was appointed Missionary at York, now Toronto, in 
1802, whence he removed, on his father’s death, to Kingston, of 
which place he is at present Archdeacon. His second son, John, 
embarked in trade but afterwards was appointed Sheriff of the 
Johnstown District, U. C. James, his third son, studied law 
under Jonathan Sewell Attorney General of Lower Canada, and 
is now Chief Justice of that Province. Charles the fourth son, 
was Sheriff of the Midland District, and Andrew Stuart, the 
youngest of these boys, was an eminent lawyer in Quebec, 
which city he represented many years in the Colonial Legisla¬ 
ture. He died Solicitor General of Lower Canada D Stuart’s 
eldest daughter was Jane; Mary, the second daughter, married 
the late Hon ble Charles Jones of Brockville; and Ann, his third 
daughter was the wife of the late Patrick Smith, Esq., of 
Kingston. 

1 London Colonial Church Chronicle No. 2. p. 64. 







































































































































































